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Cross country boasts talented runners and looks to build postseason success
Student groups set up across campus to register new voters for National Voter Registration Day
Thursday, September 26, 2019
The Student Voice Since 1904
WHAT’S NEW AT KU
NCAA vs. KU
News on deck at kansan.com
Vol. 139/Issue 10
As a fog hangs over Allen Fieldhouse, students remain supportive of the men’s basketball program
Maggie Gould/UDK
Heritage speakers
Students who are heritage speakers learn to read and write the language of their familial roots through University of Kansas language classes.
Chance Parker/UDK
Men’s basketball coach Bill Self shows emotion during the game against Oklahoma on Jan. 2, 2019.
Jordan Vaughn
@JVSmoove14
Budig renovations
Large lecture halls, including Budig 110, will undergo renovations starting this fall. All rooms are expected to be finished by the start of the spring semester.
Jordan Vaughn/UDK
Jonny Sun
Author, illustrator and writer for “BoJack Horseman” Jonny Sun recently spoke at Liberty Hall as part of the Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture series hosted by The Commons.
On the horizon
Emma Pravecek/UDK
KU vs. Baylor Saturday, Sept. 28 Kansas volleyball will play the Baylor Bears in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena at 1 p.m.
On Monday, the University of Kansas confirmed reports that it had received a notice of allegations from the NCAA concerning the men’s basketball and football programs. Kansas men’s basketball faces allegations of five Level I violations, the harshest penalty from the NCAA. Eli Torres-Niles, a junior from Newnan, Georgia, worries that a season without Self could produce much lower results than previous years. “If Bill Self is suspended for the season we’ll be in a little bit of trouble,” Torres-Niles said. “We’ll probably end up being third or
fourth again in the Big 12.” “[Self ] is kind of the driving force for our basketball program,” freshman Morgan Siemers said. “That would bum a lot of people out.”
“No matter what happens, the community is going to support Jayhawk basketball.” Will Cook sophomore
Kansas is currently ranked second in ESPN’s preseason Top 25 poll, led by returning starters senior center Udoka Azubuike and
sophomore point guard Devon Dotson. With the annual Late Night in the Phog just over a week away, some students are worried about the event changing this year. However, Associate Athletics Director for Public Relations Dan Beckler confirmed there will be no changes. Sophomore Thomas Dizerega is a Lawrence native and doesn’t believe these alleged violations will hinder Jayhawk fans’ support this season. “I think that the basketball tradition here is strong enough that people are still going to pack the house,” Dizerega said. Sophomore Will Cook, also a Lawrence native, said he doesn’t Continue on page 7
KU Symphony Orchestra partners with CAPS to promote mental health Annie Barry
@AnnieBarryAnnie
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra, in association with Counseling and Psychological Services, is putting on a fulllength performance to show students how they can get the help they need on campus. The dropout rate for freshmen in college, across the board, is about 30%, according to College Atlas. Carolyn Watson, director of orchestral activities at the University, said she believes that could be partially due to the stress and the lack of outlet for mental and emotional struggles. With first semester students, it’s likely that this may be their first time being away from their home, family and friends. After just moving, there’s a large spike in change in their lives, which causes a lot of stress. With that in mind, Watson wanted to incorporate a message into the orchestra’s first fulllength concert of the year. “People need help, and I don’t feel that I am entirely qualified. I could certainly help by being a shoulder to cry on,” Watson said.
Annie Barry/UDK
Carolyn Watson directs the KU Symphony Orchestra in a rehearsal.
“I want to let our new students know that CAPS is a resource to help and support them on campus. I want to get the word out on awareness.” The concert’s message will be portrayed through a performance with even more intentions behind it. Symphony No. 3 by German composer Robert Schumann was specifically selected as a key part of the performance as Schumann had a very public battle with mental health. Schumann made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide in the Rhine River three years after this piece was composed, which was inspired by his visit to the Rhine with his wife in 1851. A guest soloist, violist Juan-Mi-
guel Hernandez, will accompany the symphony orchestra as a representative of the Sphinx Organization of Detroit. Hernandez will play a work by Czech composer Bohuslav Martin, another composer with issues similar to Schumann. Watson aims to push diversity and inclusiveness, as Hernandez is the first Black American soloist to play with the symphony orchestra. “We are all about diversity here at the KU Symphony Orchestra,” Watson said. “I am more than happy to support and listen.” Watson said she hopes students will feel comfortable talking about their issues before it’s too late. The concert’s message is that it’s Continue on page 4
KU to shut down STEM teaching program Sydney Hoover @sydhoover17
Nick Rose had no intention of going into teaching. As a freshman at the University of Kansas, Rose, now a senior from Edmond, Oklahoma, planned to go into academia in paleontology. But when Rose found himself in the UKanTeach program to avoid taking a speech class, he found a different passion. “I really started to get interested in teaching and really started to love the program,” Rose said. The UKanTeach program, coordinated by the Center for STEM Learning, is based off of the UTeach program out of the University of Texas in Austin to allow students to obtain a teaching license while working toward a degree in science and math. Now, as Rose prepares to graduate in May with a degree in biology and a teaching license, the future of the program he cherished throughout his time at the University is unclear. The UKanTeach program announced it would close down at the end of this academic year in a Facebook post on Sept. 13. Rose described the reaction he Continue on page 2
KU IT: Number of extortion emails is increasing Nicole-Marie Konopelko @NicoleKonopelko
The number of extortion messages sent to students, staff and faculty members has continuously increased at the University of Kansas and other universities nationwide, said Julie Fugett, the chief information security officer for KU Information Technology. Extortion messages are designed to scare receivers into making a payment — typically with cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin — and attempt to trick the recipient into giving up something of value, Fugett said. “Fear is a powerful motivator, and criminals exploit this because they know fear can cause people to act in rash ways,” Fugett said in an email to the Kansan. “When people are afraid, they often don’t think rationally or properly assess reality and/or the plausibility of a threat.” Fugett said that in addition to creating a sense of urgency or fear, extortion messages typically ask the receiver to open a link or attachment, call a phone number or send money. KU IT sent a mass email to students on Sept. 11 advising them to forward any suspected extortion messages to abuse@ku.edu and change any passwords that appear in the emails. Extortion messages won’t stop coming, Fugett added. In the first Continue on page 2
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News
The University Daily Kansan
NEWS MANAGEMENT Editor-in-chief Savanna Smith Managing editor Nichola McDowell
Community Blood Center hosts blood drive on campus Lindley Lund @lindleylund
News editor Sydney Hoover
The Community Blood Center is hosting a series of blood drives this week on campus in hopes of replenishing local blood supply with the help of younger donors, said Chelsey Smith, the outreach and communications coordinator. With the recent summer break, it has been a difficult time to collect blood due to University of Kansas students not being in Lawrence, Smith said. Labor Day Weekend caused the blood supply to decrease as well. “So we’re recovering from a multitude of different things. But mainly it’s just been this is a really rough time of year in terms of blood donation, and people are busy, and they don’t always have time for us,” Smith said. A large population of blood donors has been from the baby boomer generation, Smith said. Now, a large portion of this generation can’t donate due to medications or being close to death. Millennials and Generation Z are not taking their spots as donors, she said. “While blood donations tend to slow down in the summer months, the need does not,” Kim Peck, executive director of the Community Blood Center, said in a press release. “Right now, supplies are low and we need all
Investigations editor Nicole Asbury Sports editor Jack Johnson Associate sports editor Huntyr Schwegman Arts & culture editor Rylie Koester Associate arts & culture editor Wyatt Hall Opinion editor Elijah Southwick Visuals editor & design chief Philip Mueller Photo editor Sarah Wright Associate photo editor Chance Parker Copy chiefs Nolan Brey Asif Haque Audience engagement editor Grant Heiman Associate audience engagement editor Raeley Youngs Social media editor Hadley Oehlert
ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT Business manager Grace Fawcett
ADVISER General Manager Rob Karwath The University Daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. The paper is paid for through student fees. The University Daily Kansan (ISSN 0746-4967) is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year except fall break, spring break and exams. Coming soon: The University Daily Kansan app to be available on iOS and Android. Have feedback? Email editor@kansan.com.
KANSAN MEDIA PARTNERS Check out KUJH-TV on Wow! of Kansas Channel 31 in Lawrence for more on what you’ve read in today’s Kansan and other news. Also see KUJH’s website at tv.ku.edu. KJHK is the student voice in radio. Whether it’s rock ‘n’ roll or reggae, sports or special events, KJHK 90.7 is for you. 2000 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence, Kan., 66045 editor@kansan.com www.kansan.com Newsroom: (785) 864-4552 Advertising: (785) 864-4358
kansan.com
Mid-week in crime Sophia Belshe
@SophiaBelshe
SECTION EDITORS
Associate news editor Sophia Belshe
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Battery at the Daisy Hill Commons A suspect struck a campus police officer with his elbow in the Daisy Hill Commons on Sept. 22 around 12 a.m., according to police records. This case was cleared by arrest.
Lindley Lund/UDK
The Community Blood Center is hosting a number of blood drives on campus and in Lawrence this week.
those who are able to donate and help ensure that every patient and hospital has access to life-saving blood when they need it.” There is a large list of reasons for patients to receive blood, including cancer treatment, car accidents and gunshot wounds, Smith said. “I think that a lot of the reason that our younger donors don’t donate is just because they don’t understand the importance of it,” Smith said. The Community Blood Center provides almost 200,000 blood products to over 60 hospitals, relying on almost 600 volunteer donors a day.
Extortion emails
UKanTeach
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five months of 2019 alone, Symantec, a California-based cybersecurity software company, blocked 300 million extortion scam emails, according to a blog on its official website. “[Because they will always be coming], it’s so important that students protect themselves through education and safe online practices,” Fugett said. “And, it’s important to know that email isn’t the only channel for these types of attacks. Criminals can attempt similar extortion attacks through social media and other methods.” James Anguiano, deputy chief of the KU Public Safety Office, said it is especially important to be wary of emails from any governments or corporations. “One recently that’s in our international population has been an email scandal through ICE. They say you could be deported if you don’t send this amount of money, and they’re building on that emotion,” Anguiano said. “If you haven’t requested information, don’t open it. The IRS or any government entity will never send you an email. Your bank will never send you an email to say your account has been compromised, so just utilizing those tips should help you.” Anguiano also said changing passwords on any accounts every three to four months will help prevent spam or extortion. Fugett said anyone worried about their KU online ID or password being compromised should call KU IT at (785)-864-9003 or itsec@ku.edu, while anyone concerned with their privacy or personal safety should contact the KU Public Safety Office at (785)-864-5900 or kupso@ku.edu.
and his 112 peers in the program had to the decision as “absolute shock.” UKanTeach Co-Director Steven Case said the program’s 233 alumni are incensed. “That’s a pretty sudden and dramatic change,” Case said. “We went from a very successful, skyrocketing program to being gone.” Case said he was first notified by Interim College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean John Colombo of the potential for the program to shut down in a meeting on Aug. 19. The final decision was made Sept. 11, two days before the Facebook announcement. Case said he pushed for a quick final decision, as he had hired four new faculty to the program over the summer, including a master teacher who he said was not anticipating a position only available for five more months. “I honestly think that decision had already been made,” Case said. “That’s why I pushed for it.” Colombo was not available for an interview by the time of publication. However, he said in a statement to the Kansan the College is currently trying to resolve a $2 million budget deficit, and decisions of cuts reflected the College’s alignment with its core mission. Colombo also said in the statement the program “is not being eliminated or curtailed” and is instead moving into the School of Education, “where the mission and existing infrastructure for teacher training align directly with that activity.” The program is no longer accepting new applicants. Current students will have the opportunity to complete their licensure through the School of Education, though Case said details of this
The Lawrence community has also been working with the Community Blood Center this month. The last drives will be Thursday at the Lawrence Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the St. Lawrence Catholic Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “So we’re trying to get more of a presence on our college campuses, in our high schools, and trying to let young donors know that blood donation really is a civic duty,” Smith said. “It’s something that will always be needed. Blood cannot be manufactured, so we have to rely on blood donors, like our college donors, to step up and be the future of our donor pool.”
Theft in Strong Hall An unknown subject got into a locked office in Strong Hall and stole the victim’s purse Sept. 24 around 4 p.m., resulting in a loss of about $100, according to police records. This case remains open. Theft on Poplar Lane Someone entered another person’s vehicle and stole property on the 1400 block of Poplar Lane, near Bailey Hall, on Sept. 23 around 2 p.m., resulting in a loss of $3,050, according to police records. This case remains open. Liquor violation in GSP Residence Hall A minor was found to be in possession of alcohol in GSP Residence Hall on Sept. 22 around 10 p.m., according to police records. The officer discovered the alcoholic beverages during a call about an odor of marijuana. This case was cleared by arrest.
Katherine Wolf is a junior in the UKanTeach program.
are still being worked out. Because the program stems from the original UTeach program at UT Austin, the courses cannot simply be transferred to the School of Education. The “intellectual property” within the program, such as courses and syllabi, are licensed by the National Math and Science Initiative and used by 46 campuses across the country, Case said. “The uncertainty raises anxieties through the roof, and we’re aware of that,” Case said. “We’re going to need to sit down with every student and figure out a plan for them.” The UKanTeach program was originally created under the office of the provost by Jan Lariviere, wife of then-Provost Richard Lariviere. The program was moved to the College, as its main focus is in math and science. “It has been a good home for us and it is a natural home for us, even though a lot of our work occurs at the University level across schools and departments,” Case said. Most students in the program
For breaking news, visit kansan.com
Rachel Griffard/UDK
go on to teach STEM in elementary or secondary education, and the program promotes gaining field experience in schools where more than 40% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. “It means that I can step into a classroom later and not only get students who would otherwise not be interested in science or math, but also support them and be able to reach out to them in whatever sphere they’re in, whatever cultural background they come from, and encourage them into STEM fields,” said junior Katherine Wolf. For Rose, without the program, he not only would not have found a love for teaching, but he also would not have found the community the program provides. “I don’t think I’d be as happy, honestly. I’ve met some great friends through here. I love this program so much,” Rose said. “I feel like I would be a lot less happy if I went into academia than if I went into teaching. If it wasn’t for the UKanTeach program, I wouldn’t have had that option.”
Thursday, September 26, 2019
kansan.com
News
The University Daily Kansan
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Student organizations mobilize to register voters for National Voter Registration Day Erin Liston
@erinliston8
On ever busy Wescoe Beach, the engineering complex and the Kansas Union, a coalition of University of Kansas student organizations came together Tuesday to help register people to vote in honor of National Voter Registration Day. KU Young Democrats, the Dole Institute of Politics, the ACLU of KU, the Student Legislative Action Committee and the Constitutional Society all mobilized volunteers to register new voters.
“If you don’t vote, I feel like you don’t have a say in the country that you live in.” Nicole Phelps freshman
Among the volunteers, KU Young Democrats President Logan Stenseng was present to register voters and spread the word about the holiday for the third year in a row. “It’s for us to kind of make sure we are celebrating it the right way and registering people to vote and registering our friends,” Stenseng said. “We are also having folks apply for advanced ballots, which allows them to vote early and vote from home as well.” Volunteers were tabling around campus to provide guidance to newly registered voters, Stenseng
Students had the opportunity to register to vote at Wescoe Beach Tuesday, which was National Voter Registration Day.
said. “Especially at a voter registration table, we can help people do that and navigate the system,” Stenseng said. “Often times people won’t even try to approach registering to vote without some help.” Many people walked up to the table at Wescoe to register to vote. Among them was junior Amberly Mast, who decided Tuesday was the day she would register. “[I think it’s important to reg-
ister] for future kids and people who aren’t 18,” Mast said. Freshman Nicole Phelps, who also registered at the tabling event, said voting gives people an opportunity to voice their opinions in politics. “If you don’t vote, I feel like you don’t have a say in the country that you live in,” Phelps said. “The decisions that are made directly affect you.” Stenseng said registering to vote has not always been easy to
accomplish in Kansas. “We have had a Secretary of State in the past, Kris Kobach, that made it extremely difficult to register to vote, where he tried to require an ID to register to vote. That is not the case anymore — you do not need to have identification to register to vote anymore,” Stenseng said. Stenseng also said lack of awareness can contribute to low voter registration. “Mostly it’s just the lack of pub-
Sarah Wright/UDK
lic awareness of it and no one really talking about it,” Stenseng said. Promoting voting rights was the main goal of the tabling events, which continued into Tuesday evening on Daisy Hill. “I believe that people should have the access to vote, and I think that sometimes they just need help,” Stenseng said. “That’s why I like to do it, as well as voting matters because elections matter.”
115 YEARS OLD BUT NOT ACTING LIKE IT
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The University Daily Kansan
Arts & Culture
Thursday, September 26, 2019
kansan.com
Kansas City artist Zarin Micheal expands musical palette on latest EP
DeAsia Paige
@deasia_paige
There’s a distinct sense of order when rapper Zarin Micheal performs. The Kansas City, Missouri, native knows how to command a stage in a way that’s impervious to the possibility of an audience losing focus, immediately making his presence known for the rest of the performance. Those moments on stage are only about Micheal and his music, which is a theme throughout his most recent EP “A Million Miles Away.” The project, which was released earlier this month, encompasses Micheal’s conflict of trying to balance his budding music career and a romantic relationship. However, he eventually realizes that music must be his only focus to get to the next level, which is why he dropped out of the University of Kansas last year, which was the first semester of his junior year. “It was a tough decision to make because I was on a free scholarship, but at the same time, I really wasn’t happy,” said Micheal, who currently lives in Lawrence. “I was waking up every day doing something that I really didn’t enjoy. I know a lot of times, people have to make sacrifices, but I feel like that was not something that would’ve benefited me.
I don’t plan on going into the work field and using a degree, so music is all I want to do.” However, Micheal said his time as an English major helped him enhance his skills as a storyteller in his music, which is something that’s helped him craft the concept for “A Million Miles Away.” “With my music, I try to put as many personal experiences on there that I have,” Micheal said. “With ‘3AM’ [a song on ‘A Million Miles Away’], I really just wanted to tell different stories. I’ve been taking on this different persona and calling myself Picasso because I feel like within my music, I’m trying to paint different images for the listener, so when you listen, it’s basically movies all in your head.” Micheal’s affinity for storytelling is something he received from his mom who introduced him to rappers like Jay-Z and Biggie, both of whom have provided a clear direction for Micheal’s music, especially for “A Million Miles Away.” “[It was] just me listening to that and taking what I’ve learned from the past music and taking what I’ve learned from today’s music and try to make hits and make stuff with vibes and combine those into one,” said Micheal, who started rapping professionally in 2015. Although the EP is only three
tracks, it’s a brief testament to Micheal’s ability of successfully stepping out of his musical comfort zone. Micheal’s previous music has a dominant hip-hop sound that’s characterized by upbeat, heavy-hitting flows. But on “A Million Miles Away,” Micheal exposes more of his singing voice and uses slower, more melodic beats that create the project’s R&B vibe. Alexander Preston, the EP’s producer who’s worked with Micheal for nearly four years, said it was easy to get Micheal to try different things artistically because he’s generally open-minded about his sound, which made the process more efficient after Micheal heard the first beat for “3AM” last year. “That was the first beat that he heard, and we kind of sat down and talked about the fact that he’s a versatile artist, but a lot of people don’t really know that side of him,” Preston said. “A lot of the songs he’s put out have been bangers and stuff like that, but we kind of wanted to expand our audience to make songs that are more accessible for our audience.” Preston and Micheal are currently working on Micheal’s first full-length project “Portrait Mode,” which is due before the end of the year. The project is aimed to continue expanding Mi-
cheal’s sound and really develop him as a well-rounded rap artist. “He’s definitely open-minded with a lot of stuff,” Preston said. “A lot of the stuff that I make is kind of electronic influenced, but he’s always down to just do whatever. He’s always been the type of person who just wants to work. He’s all for trying new things.” Outside of working on his next release, Micheal is focused on be-
Contributed photo
Former University of Kansas student Zarin Micheal poses on his motorcycle, which inspired his EP “A Million Miles Away.”
Lululemon opens downtown Lawrence pop-up location again
Orchestra
Katie Counts
OK not to be OK — and it’s definitely OK to need help. Watson said the theme of the performance was inspired by the large number of students who have confided in her over the years as being overwhelmed and stressed individuals. She said she’d like to see a focus on students’ mental health and feels the faculty as a whole should be aiming to better its role as an outlet for students. This is where CAPS comes in. Watson is focused on getting students help and making sure students know about resources before it’s too late. “You don’t need to be like Schumann and be a suicidal mess before you reach out,” Watson said. “It’s totally fine to just go in for a counseling session if you’re just feeling overwhelmed
@CountsKatie752
For the second year in a row, athletic retailer Lululemon has opened a seasonal store at 714 Massachusetts St., but this time the store will be there for longer — about a year this time until June 2020. The store opened on Aug. 9 this year in the same location as last year’s pop-up. Melinda Nichols, who managed the pop-up last year and manages the store this year, said the return comes in part because of last year’s success. Nichols said another reason for the pop-up is that Lululemon as a company is trying to build more brand awareness. Similar to last year, the store is hosting a variety of free workout classes from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sundays. Some of the classes include dance, yoga and strength training. There’s even a class titled “Namasté with Beyoncé.” Assistant manager Harley Elliott said the classes bring in both students and community members. Workout mats are also available for free use at these classes. “We are really just trying to get the word out there that we are here,” Elliott said.
Katie Counts/UDK
Athletic retailer Lululemon has opened a pop-up on Mass Street.
While the store is geared towards back-to-school, Elliott said a lot of traffic comes from the Lawrence community and from out-of-towners who may not live near a Lululemon. The closest Lululemons are located in Leawood and the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. Product will change seasonally, and even crimson and blue University of Kansas colored clothing is featured at the shop. Elliott said the store gets new products twice a week. The store also plans on hosting pop-ups around the Lawrence area and will also host private parties at its Massachusetts Street location. In the past, the pop-up has hosted these parties for Greek
organizations. Alexa Dorcas, an employee at the store and a Lawrence resident, said business has been good since opening but definitely busier in the evenings. She said her favorite part of working at Lululemon is being with her coworkers and being located in downtown Lawrence. “I love being on Mass because there’s a lot of unique people and so many unique connections,” Dorcas said. Lululemon’s pop-up is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. More information about the store be found on the pop-up’s Facebook page.
ing “one of the biggest stars in the world.” It’s a common goal for most musicians, but Micheal is confident that his storytelling and his work ethic set him apart from the rest. “I know what I can bring to the game,” Micheal said. “I know where my talent level is at, and I don’t feel like I would ever change for anything, and I think that makes me authentic.”
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and you can’t cope. CAPS would actually prefer dealing with you at that stage and being able to help you then before the problem has snowballed.” Representatives from CAPS will attend the performance and will be available to speak with individuals and provide information. CAPS is a confidential service located on the second floor of Watkins Health Center. It’s open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment or walk-in. “If you’ve got problems, we’ve got ears,” said CAPS representative Abdoulie Njai. “No matter who you are or where you come from, we all go through tough times and CAPS is here to help you get on the right track.” The KU Symphony Orchestra will play Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at The Lied Center. Tickets are $25 for adults and $14 for students. They can be purchased on the Lied Center’s website.
Annie Barry/UDK
The KU Symphony Orchestra rehearses for its Sept. 26 concert.
THINGS TO DO AT KU Art
Food & Dining
Movies & TV
Music
Theater
Final Fridays Sept. 27 downtown Lawrence and Warehouse Arts District
Little Saigon Cafe 1524 W 23rd St.
“American Horror Story: 1984” premiered Sept. 18
“On Sight” by Free Nationals ft. JID, Kadhja Bonet and MIKNNA released Sept. 20
“The Christians” opening performance Sept. 27 at CraftonPreyer Theatre
For the best arts, culture and entertainment news, visit kansan.com
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Arts & Culture
kansan.com
The University Daily Kansan
5
RPG grand opening brings board game experience to downtown Lawrence Rachel Kivo @rachelkivo
A new restaurant called RPG (Restaurant, Pub and Games) aims to bring the Lawrence community together in an unconventional way. After two and a half years of developing and planning, RPG had its grand opening on Sept. 19 at 724 Massachusetts St. RPG owner Matt Pool said he felt there was a need for adults to be able to connect face-toface over food, drinks and over a thousand board games. Before becoming one of the owners of RPG, Pool spent five years as the head of a front-end logistics company in Olathe. “We looked at the board game industry and found that over the last five years it has doubled from a $1.2 billion industry to a $2.4 billion industry,” Pool said. “Board games has surpassed video games in funding in the last two years.” The restaurant has various board games, including Monopoly, Secret Hitler and Exploding Kittens. Pool said the restaurant plans on having events such as theme nights for avid Harry Potter fans. RPG has game masters whom customers can come to for questions about board games or any
recommendations on board games they should play. “We’re a little bit different than a traditional restaurant in the sense that you can control your own service,” Pool said. Pool said there’s a service request card the customer can hold up when they are ready for the waiter to take their order. When the card is set on the table, the waiter knows not to come by. This way, the customers don’t have to be bothered every 10 minutes while playing their game. Pool said he’s also excited to be serving honey mead on tap, which is a honey-based wine he said not many restaurants in Lawrence have. RPG serves alcoholic beverages, including a beer and cocktail menu custom-made by bar manager Mo Cox. It also serves American-style food prepared by head chef Corban Heston. Pool said he hopes RPG can be an outlet where anyone, including University of Kansas students, can go and feel welcomed. “Coming here in the future, it would probably be to get a drink and play games with some friends,” KU senior Jason Frederick said. RPG is open weekdays 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Puzzles
Contributed by Moriah Ruth Photography
There is a $5 cover charge to access the entire library of board games at RPG.
SUDOKU
CRYPTOQUIP
CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD
Want to peek? Answers can be found at kansan.com
For more fun, visit kansan.com
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Opinion
The University Daily Kansan
Thursday, September 26, 2019
kansan.com
Not a healthy alternative: Why you should trash your Juul
FREE FOR ALL Text us what you hear around campus to (785) 260-0518, and we’ll publish the best stuff.
OPINION
FFA of the day: “If the arguments are louder than the sex,
Gannon Miller @gannon_miller13
you may have relationship problems.” “Overwhelmed is the new organized.” “Nothing says date night like fascists and nazis” “Let me tie my shoes so I look official” “Older white men are legitimately my kink” nicotine is my breakfast “Have you seen how tall Luigi is? He’s totally hung” “He woke up in a bodybag” Mike Pence looks like a king of the hill reject bro if we have to deal with pence in any capacity i’m emigrating or chugging bleach It’ll be a great time to be on
Nod if you can resonate with my next few statements: You have been at a party, a bar or just out in public, and you see someone with a Juul. Juul, in my eyes, is this generation’s cigarette, but even worse. Whereas cigarettes’ effects take a lifespan to do damage, vaping effects are already in the news for the damage they cause. Already, there are many cases of sicknesses explicitly caused by vaping in the young life of the tobacco products. This is not just a rip on Juul (pun definitely intended) as many alternative tobacco products are to blame, and they are all equally as bad — if not worse — but Juul is the most popular. When Juul was created in 2017 by Juul Labs, the “mission” was to help people stop smoking. What a lot of people do not know is that Juul Labs received a $12.8 billion dollar investment from selling a 35% stake in their company to Altria, the makers of Marlboro cigarettes. Money talks with big tobacco, right? It sure doesn’t look like they are helping former smokers by striking a deal with one of the largest tobacco companies in the entire world. According to the CDC, one Juul pod has as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes. My friends that own a Juul (or NJoy, or similar products)
Columnist Gannon Miller presents his case to quit vaping.
say it’s easy to go through a pod in as quickly as a day. And just as anecdotal information, only one of them smoked cigarettes before this, meaning most started using vapor products before cigarettes, which is the exact opposite of Juul’s mission, right? Just take a step back from your Juul and think. What does Juul really want? Does Juul really care if underage kids, or really anyone, get addicted? They make more money that way. I am sure the owners of Juul and Altria know in the back of their minds what they are doing is morally wrong. Juul’s starter pack comes with flavors of mint, Virginia tobacco, mango and creme. Some of those sound appetizing to a non-smoker right? The FDA may act to re-
move all flavors other than classic tobacco, Virginia tobacco, mint, and menthol from stores. Of course, you can buy “black market” Juul pods at any given vape shop. There is no telling on how safe these are, but to get the better tasting nicotine salts, users will undoubtedly give these a try. President Donald Trump has taken an aggressive stance against flavored e-cigarettes. Trump met with health officials to discuss ways to get kids to stay away from the enticing flavors pushed out by e-cigarette companies. Juul is a multi-billion dollar company. Why would it want to stop business? The company exploits the youth of America, and it needs to be stopped. Juul is just Big Tobacco’s pup-
Photo Illustration by Elijah Southwick/UDK
pet to get the next generation of kids and young adults addicted to nicotine. Look at the facts, and then take a look at yourself. Do you really want to become how kids perceive cigarette smokers now? People are already seeing negative health effects from Juul. The next time you’re at a party, and someone offers you a rip of their Juul, just refuse. It is really not worth it. I am a firm believer that Big Tobacco can be beaten, but it is up to the will of the people, and it starts with you. Gannon Miller is a senior from Columbus studying history and business.
‘No one ever gets a red carpet to success’: How to learn from rejection
This is the first time I’ve seen the ceiling of the underground “A good guy with a vape can stop a bad guy with a vape.”
Archana Ramakrishnan @archanaramki
“Will you mail me some stamps?” “I see things through a particular lens, usually rage” Trying to come to grips with how degenerate betting over/under’s on friends test scores is “I’m from Wisconsin, bitch. I know how to eat cheese.” “I locked myself in a chicken coop today” “anyone else want to start a cult today?”
Contact us Elijah Southwick esouthwick@kansan.com Grace Fawcett gfawcett@kansan.com Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Elijah Southwick, Savanna Smith, Nichola McDowell and Grace Fawcett.
encourages you to keep persevering through the toughest of times. Not being accepted into you dream job or school is just a detour to something that will be unexpectedly better for you and your goals.
We all know that failure is a stepping stone to success, but rejection may sometimes feel like absolute rock bottom. Our college career is filled with great opportunities for growth that give us the strength to go miles out of our comfort zone. However, getting rejected from jobs, scholarships, internships, a dream school or even a potential romantic relationship is inevitable. So often, we push ourselves to think that we must try new things and pursue our passions. Sadly, we are never prepared enough for rejection. It is difficult to digest the fact that our first try at something we wish for might not be a perfect success story. This is because most times, rejection does not come with an explanation. Cold emails saying “unfortunately, we will be moving forward with other candidates that more closely meet our hiring requirements,” or simply not receiving a reply is discouraging. Hearing the words that others are “moving forward” makes us feel like we are not. Hearing about how someone else faired better than you leaves you thinking about what you did wrong. Moreover, rejection does not come with an instruction manual on how to best navigate it or how to keep it
At these times, we must realize that rejection is a power-up in disguise. Sarah Wright/UDK
Big Jay shares a round of high-fives with graduates after they walk through the Campanile at the 147th Commencement on May 19.
from destroying our carefully built self-esteem. We need to realize that these feelings are normal. Everyone goes through the feelings of not being good enough because of the many rejection letters in your inbox. At these times, we must realize that rejection is a power-up in disguise. Think of it as a role-playing game where when you get attacked, you stumble, but you get the chance to collect experience points to level up at a later point.
Similarly, rejection will help you better yourself for an opportunity that will soon come knocking on your door. Try again, but before you try again, find ways to learn something about yourself from the rejection. Carefully assess what you could have done better and hone those skills. Talk to the University Career Center or connect with alumni who might have insight on how to get through these hurdles. Create a support system for yourself that
In the words of my wise mother, no one ever gets a red carpet to success. The point where you are in your life now is the start of a long journey of enduring many roadblocks and coming out of it stronger. These challenges are what will shape your success story that you’ll one day tell with a victorious smile. The next time that rejection feels like rock bottom, let it sink in that you are becoming a little stronger and a little less prone to letting small setbacks discourage you from being your amazing self. Archana Ramakrishnan is a junior from Chennai, India, studying computer science.
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Thursday, September 26, 2019
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KU men’s cross country on track for ‘stellar year’ Sam Lance
@SamLance_
With a successful opening race at last month’s Bob Timmons Classic, in which junior George Letner took third place, the 2019 men’s cross country team looks to build on its success and have a strong upcoming season. “I think this is a great year to follow the team’s performance,” Letner said. “We have a really talented group of guys altogether and some older guys who will display leadership.” Seniors Dylan Hodgson and Michael Melgares, who has received another year of eligibility, will consistently be at the top of the pack. And while Letner may not be the top performer race in and race out, he adds depth and will be a key factor in how the team finishes overall. “Our strengths are going to be our total team effort,” coach Stanley Redwine said. “Someone new could lead every day, so it’s a lot more about the team than the individual.” Redwine added that the team will take the season meet-by-meet and try not to get caught up in performing well in the postseason. “We will perform our best and make corrections,” Redwine said. “We can tell a lot about practicing
Chance Parker/UDK
Then-junior Dylan Hodgson leads his teammate then-junior Michael Melgares in the 5000-meter run of the Kansas Relays Saturday, April 21, 2018.
against each other, but the true test comes against the competition.” The upcoming home meet at Rim Rock Farm on Oct. 5 will give the team a good place to start building and finishing together
as a group. “For the next race, we will have a little tougher competition and a longer distance,” Letner said. “We are looking to improve our ability to race together, even in the harsher conditions.”
As for Letner, he hopes to continue placing high and working on his personal times. Still, he believes this season will be one for the record books. “For anyone who likes running or really appreciates KU athlet-
ics, I think this is a great year to watch,” Letner said. “I think we’ll have some really high postseason finishes, and we’re on track to have a stellar year.”
KU football looks to force more turnovers Jakob Katzenberg @KatzInHatz10
Chance Parker/UDK
Coach Bill Self shows his frustration with the referee during the game against Iowa State Monday, Jan. 21.
NCAA vs. KU From page 1
see the culture changing due to the alleged violations. “No matter what happens, the community is going to support Jayhawk basketball and everything that goes with it,” Cook said. “I grew up in Lawrence — it’s part of the culture here, and that’s not going to change in the near future.” These allegations mark the third-straight year that the Kansas men’s basketball program has been linked to NCAA violations, but some students believe the Jayhawks aren’t the only ones to blame. “It’s really ridiculous because it’s about [Silvio] De Sousa and a guy who didn’t play here, Billy Preston,” freshman Noah Ginsberg said. “I feel like [the NCAA] is just trying to find things that hit on us.” “I think it’s becoming a regular thing among powerhouse teams like Kansas, Duke, North Carolina and Villanova,” Cook said. “They have to find ways to incentivize players to join their team, and it seems unfair that KU is the only school under scrutiny at the moment.” Freshman Tayla Goodenough
said the allegations put a cloud over the University as a whole. “It has University of Kansas posted all over it,” Goodenough said. “Because it’s with the basketball program, it puts a negative connotation on the whole school.” Although Kansas Athletics works very closely with the University, it is a separate legal organization, which makes freshman Evan Sander see the situation differently. “A lot of KU’s reputation is tied to basketball,” Sander said. “But for me personally, it doesn’t impact the way I see the University.” Self has been the head coach at Kansas for 16 years, accumulating 473 victories and leading the Jayhawks to their fifth national title in 2008. But, if allegations prove to be true, some fans think these accomplishments will not be enough to keep Self in favor with Jayhawk fans. “If this continues on a trend, and it becomes a five or six year thing, I think people are going to start turning on Bill Self,” Torres-Niles said. The University said in the press release it intends to “vigorously dispute” the allegations, and Self said the NCAA’s enforcement staff “created a false narrative regarding me and our basketball program.”
While Kansas in large part has made several improvements, there is one category that has taken a noticeable dip from last season: turnovers. Last season the Jayhawks’ defense forced an astounding 27 turnovers. So far this season Kansas has only forced two. In fact, the defense hasn’t forced a turnover since week one versus Indiana State. Against Boston College, Kansas’ secondary had multiple opportunities to catch interceptions but dropped them. Since then, coach Les Miles said the defense has worked on catching the ball on a “daily basis.” “At Boston College we didn’t necessarily take the interceptions that were given up,” Miles said at Tuesday’s media availability. “We’ve taken time to practice catching the ball.” Junior linebacker Kyron Johnson said the linebacker group has been taking turns catching passes from its coaches. However, don’t
let the coach label fool you. Johnson said of all the coaches, the special teams coordinator throws the hardest bullet pass. “Coach Ekeler for sure, he does throw the hardest ball. The man is crazy,” Johnson said with a chuckle. One of the players who knows all too much about dropped interceptions is senior safety Jeremiah McCullough. In a press conference after the Boston College game, senior safety Mike Lee said he refused to shake hands with McCullough after his dropped interception against the Eagles. The veteran safety McCullough said he still thinks about his dropped interception in Boston but said he knows the takeaways will eventually come if players stick to their assignments. “At the end of the day, I know the picks are going to come,” McCullough said. “I’m just trying to be in the right position for my team and just make sure my team gets the ball at the end of the day. In those situations — third downs, fourth downs — as long
as the other team doesn’t touch the ball, I’m good.” McCullough said he now works on catching interceptions at the end of every practice. He said he works on catching all different types of interceptions from high pointing passes to breaking on routes. But, instead of having coaches throw him the ball, McCullough said he gets the quarterbacks to throw to him for a greater challenge. “It’s different from having a coach throw you the ball, and a real quarterback throw you the ball and breaking on it. It’s totally different,” McCullough said. “A real live ball — it’s hot. The ball is coming.” Dropping interceptions hasn’t been the only reason for Kansas’ lack of takeaways. Despite laying several big hits in the last couple of games, the team hasn’t forced a fumble either. McCullough said the Jayhawks’ safeties “pride themselves on physicality,” and he is confident fumbles will come. “They’re going to come. Just keep hitting them,” McCullough said. “Make them scared.”
Chance Parker/UDK
Senior safety Mike Lee runs off the field after making a stop on third down. Kansas fell to West Virginia 29-24 Saturday, Sept. 21.
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Sports Football Gameday
The University Daily Kansan
Thursday, September 26, 2019
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Kansas vs. TCU, Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:00 a.m.
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Senior safety Jeremiah McCullough celebrates after making a stop on third down. Kansas fell to West Virginia 29-24 Saturday, Sept. 21.
Jack Johnson & Jakob Katzenberg @KansanSports
Beat Writer Jack Predictions: Johnson
20-30
Kansas Jayhawks
Jakob Katzenberg
23-27
TCU Horned Frogs
Hakeem Adeniji
Darius Anderson
Senior left tackle
Senior running back
Adeniji is the leader of Kansas’ offensive line. Against the Mountaineers, the Jayhawks usually stellar rushing attack was largely ineffective. Originally from Garland, Texas, Adeniji will be playing about one hour from where he grew up. Kansas’ run game versus TCU could very well come down to who wins the battle of the trenches, and Adeniji may be a difference maker.
Leading the team with 371 rushing yards on 41 carries, Anderson has picked up a staggering nine yards per carry through three games. Last week in the loss to SMU, the Texas native collected two touchdowns on 161 rushing yards. Allowing 192 yards on the ground to West Virginia last Saturday, the Kansas front line will be charged in limiting the production of Anderson.
Jeremiah McCullough
Garret Wallow
Kansas hasn’t forced a turnover since its first game of the season. McCullough is one of only two Kansas players to catch an interception this season. Last season, the Jayhawks were able to best TCU 27-26 largely because they were able to force two turnovers. McCullough and the Kansas secondary will have a chance to make plays in Fort Worth with TCU starting a freshman quarterback.
As the Big 12’s leading tackler with 42 total, Wallow has been highly active for TCU defensive coordinator Chad Glasgow. Only ranked a three-star coming out of the state of Louisiana, the junior played in all 14 games his freshman season and made seven starts in 2018. In last year’s upset to Kansas, Wallow recorded one tackle for a loss.
Gavin Potter
TreVontae Hights
Coming in as a highly-touted prospect, Potter has seen little playing time in Kansas’ first four games. However, with junior linebacker Dru Prox battling an injury, Potter could play a larger role than in weeks past. This week, Potter and the other defenders in Kansas’ front seven will have a difficult task dealing with Darius Anderson, Sewo Olonilua and the Horned Frogs’ prolific ground game.
With the Horned Frogs ranking ninth in the conference in passing offense, Hights isn’t always noticeable in the offensive output. However, the 6’3 wideout recorded eight catches for 108 yards in the season-opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Despite not tallying a catch since Week 1, Hights leads the team in receiving.
Senior safety
Junior linebacker
Senior wide receiver
Freshman linebacker
QUICK HITS
.800 Soccer
Save percentage from sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Peters this season
1.22 Volleyball
Team-high blocks per set from redshirt freshman blocker Kailea Carrier
16 Football
Spread for road matchup against TCU
24
Men’s Golf
Top-3 finishes for coach Jamie Bermel
For the latest scores and complete coverage, visit kansan.com
32 Softball
Run differential through three fall games