Volume 124 Issue 10

kansan.com

and tHen tHere were

After denying rumors of leaving the Big 12, the Aggies make it official: Theyre moving on
saBrina aHMed sahmed@kansan.com andrew JosepH ajoseph@kansan.com
After weeks of speculation, Texas A&M has officially notified the Big 12 of its intention to withdraw from the conference. Texas A&M announced in a release on Wednesday morning that the institution will end its 15-year affiliation with the Big 12 and submit an application to join another conference. The Aggies are expected to join the Southeastern Conference, effective June 30, 2012. The president of Texas A&M, R. Bowen Loftin, wrote to Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe, After much thought and consideration, and pursuant to the action of the Board of Regents authorizing me to take action related to Texas A&M Universitys athletic conference alignment, I have determined it is in the best interest of Texas A&M to make application to join another athletic conference. The announcement comes after conversations between Loftin and SEC commissioner Mike Slive that began on July 21, according to ESPN.com. We appreciate the Big 12s willingness to engage in a dialogue to end our relationship through a mutually agreeable settlement, Loftin said. We, too, desire that this process be as amicable and prompt as possible and result in a resolution of all outstanding issues, including mutual waivers by Texas A&M and the conference on behalf of all the remaining members. That process includes the negotiation of an exit fee with the Big 12 that could range anywhere from $15 million to $31 million, according to The New York Times and Orangebloods.com. In addition, Texas A&Ms departure is dependent on the SEC formally extending an invitation to the

see a&M paGe 3

LAwrence

UDK
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
the student voice since 1904
JonatHan sHorMan/kansan

BMX Biker stops By caMpus

Terry Adams, a X-Games gold medalist, performs stunts on Jayhawk Boulevard PAGE 7 Check out Jayplay to see how your clothes define you INSIDE

9
Thursday, September 1, 2011
becoming more refined. Although this activity may seem a tad strange to on-lookers, ask any of the KU Quidditch team members and they will assure you, without hesitation, that there is a lot more to the sport than what meets the eye, Some things to keep in mind, though, are that Quidditch is a full-contact sport and it, like other sports, its a little rough. The players take away a little bit of pride with being able to say that youre a Quidditch player. And Ill let you know that its quite a nice workout too. It certainly beats sitting in your dorm room or apartment with nothing to do, Whiston said.

cATch The QUAFFLe

A firefighter unfurls a tarp to cover the view of a fatal motorcycle accident wednesday evening. A motorcyle and van collided on Iowa Street near University Drive, killing the driver of the motorcycle. Police have not yet identified the victim.

Fatal accident near campus

JonatHan sHorMan jshorman@kansan.com
A fatal accident involving a motorcycle and van occurred Wednesday night near the intersection of Iowa Street and University Drive. Sgt. Matt Sarna, a spokesman with the Lawrence Police Department, said the motorcycle and van collided around 6:13 p.m. The motorcycle was traveling north on Iowa Street and the van was traveling south. Police found the driver of the motorcycle dead when they arrived. Sarna said there were no other injuries.

peCuliar pursuits
ContriButed By Jerry wanG Jordan Dauer, a junior from Lees Summit, Mo., pushes through two defenders with the quaffle during a match. The Kansas Quidditch team is now an official KU club.

aleXa rusH arush@kansan.com

Riding on broomsticks, preparing for a zombie invasion and obsessing over ugly sweaters and flying kites are all considered a normal day activity for some of the organizations at KU. The Kansas Quidditch Team, Zombie Awareness Council and Ugly Sweater & Kite Flying Society, although unique in their interests, are fully dedicated and passionate about their purposes.

Sarna said fatalities at the intersection are rare. Police officers blocked off Iowa Street between Bob Billings Parkway and Stratford Street, and directed traffic away from the scene, causing major traffic delays in the area. The section of Iowa Street was shut down for several hours Wednesday evening. The name of the victim has not been released.

Juliana Tidwell contributed to reporting this story.

Starting out as just dormroom conversation for a couple of freshmen in the fall of 2009, the Kansas Quidditch Team was made an official KU Sports Club at the

KANSAS QUIDDITCH TEAM:

beginning of 2011. Stemming from the renowned Harry Potter books, Quidditch at KU is played as similarly as possible to the original game, minus of course, the witches, wizards and sadly, the magic. A lot of times people dont give Quidditch a chance because they brush it off as something thats childish and immature because it evolved out of the Harry Potter series, but its not. Its an extremely fun sport to play and will surprise you, said junior captain Doug Whiston. Each Quidditch team has seven players. Three chasers try to score into the opposing teams goal with a volleyball, which is called a quaffle. Ten points are awarded to the scoring team. The keeper defends the goal from the other

teams chasers, much like a goalie. The two beaters use dodge balls, referred to as bludgers, to try and knock out other members from the game for a temporary amount of time. The seekers job is to snatch the snitch, which is a tennis ball wrapped in a yellow sock attached to the waist of the snitch runner, who, according to the International Quidditch Association, is allowed to use physical contact, climb trees or hide in the audience to escape the seekers. The captured snitch is worth 30 points and signals the end of the game, unless it brings the scores to a tie, which then leads to an overtime. According to Whiston, every year a new handbook is developed by the rules council within the IQA and each year the rules are

see CluBs paGe 3

KU Dining offers unlimited meal plan

dana MereditH dmeredith@kansan.com
KU Dining Services has overhauled its meal plans for the first time in six years. Students have until 5 p.m. on Friday to change to a lesser plan. They can switch to a higher package at any point in this semester. Students living in the residence halls can pick from five new plans, two of which include unlimited dining hall access and range from $3,598 to $3,798 per year. Because of that unlimited access, Mrs. Es and Oliver dining centers have switched to continuous service and no longer close between lunch and dinner. Its all the result of a two-year process involving a student taskforce, meetings among members of the dining staff and approval by the Student Housing Advisory Board and the Kansas Board of Regents. We wanted to be responsive to both student and parent feedback that weve gotten over the years, said Sheryl Kidwell, an assistant director for KU Dining Services. Kidwell said that the unlimited plans were designed to alleviate student fears about running out of meals and to also give students the best possible value for their money. To promote the unlimited plans, Dining Services added some incentives to those packages, including more Cusine Cash, more guest passes and several free 14-inch pizzas each semester. Caleb Adegoke, a freshman from Shawnee, has an unlimited meal plan. He said he loves it and he drops by Mrs. Es about three times a day for snacks and meals. I think its a good deal, but its up to the student how they use it,

FooD

types Of packages purcHaseD

40 %

Unlimited

Flex/basic

other (campanile,

corbin, res. Life Staff)

see dininG paGe 3

For more on the dining options and how to switch your package, go to union.ku.edu/dining.shtml

Index

Classifieds 9 Crossword 4

Cryptoquips 4 opinion 5

sports 10 sudoku 4

All contents, unless stated otherwise, 2011 The University Daily Kansan

Dont forget

Dont forget to purchase your Legends of the Phog tickets. They go on sale Tues., Sept 6.

Todays Weather

Forecasts done by University students. For a more detailed forecast, see page 2A.

Dont sweat it

HI: 103 LO: 71

PAGE 16 2

thURSDAY, SEPtEmbER 1,2011 thURSDAY, AUGUSt 18, 2011

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

LAWRENCE FORECAST
KU Atmospheric Science students

HI: 103 High: 103. Low: 76. Sunny and LO: 71 very hot. Breezy, south winds 10 to
20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Lather up with sunscreen!

Thursday

HI: 100 LO: 72

Friday
High: 100. Low 74. Mostly sunny; one last hot day. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

HI: 93 LO: 62

Saturday
High: 93. Low: 62. Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms later in the day.

HI: 77 LO: 56

Sunday
Highs: 77. Lows: 56. Partly Cloudy and much cooler.

One last hot day!

Grab an umbrella before the game!

Finally, a respite from sweat.

Today is the 113th anniversary of KU hiring Dr. James Naismith as director of physical culture. For everything you wanted to know about him and more, check out the Naismith Museum homepage at naismithmuseum.com.

NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Associated Press

The UniversiTy Daily Kansan

NEwS mANAGEmENt
Editor-in-Chief Kelly Stroda managing editors Joel Petterson Jonathan Shorman Clayton Ashley

ADVERtISING mANAGEmENt
business manager Garrett Lent Sales manager Stephanie Green

NEwS SECtIoN EDItoRS

Art director Ben Pirotte Assignment editors Ian Cummings Laura Sather Hannah Wise Copy chiefs Lisa Curran Marla Daniels Emily Glover Design chiefs Stephanie Schulz Hannah Wise Bailey Atkinson opinion editor Mandy Matney Editorial editor Vikaas Shanker Photo editor Mike Gunnoe Associate photo editor Chris Bronson Sports editor Max Rothman Associate sports editor Mike Lavieri Sports web editor Blake Schuster Special sections editor Emily Glover web editor Tim Shedor

Funeral workers are on strike in Brazils largest city, and its causing delays in burials. More than 1,000 workers in Sao Paulo halted their activities on Tuesday, delaying the release of bodies for burial and frustrating relatives of the deceased. Brazilians traditionally hold funerals within a day of death. The workers want a salary increase of nearly 40 percent and better working conditions. They said in a statement Wednesday the strike will go on until city officials meet their demands. Other health workers are also participating in the strike.

SAO pAULO, bRAzIL

Flash flooding across Nigerias southwest killed at least 102 people in the last week, the countrys Red Cross said Wednesday. Some 1,500 people remain displaced by the torrential downpours, officials said. The major flood hit hardest in Oyo states capital of Ibadan. Heavy rains there on Friday made a local dam overflow, sending water crashing through the informal settlements surrounding the city. The water also damaged three bridges in the area, trapping people in their neighborhoods, said Tunde Adebiyi, an official with Nigerias National Emergency Management Agency.

LAGOS, NIGERIA

Two military jets collided above Lithuania during a NATO exercise Tuesday, but one managed to land and the other crashed in an unpopulated area after its two pilots ejected. No serious injuries were reported. The collision of the Lithuanian and French aircraft occurred near the Zokniai air base in northern Lithuania, home to NATO jets patrolling the skies over the Baltic countries. The French Mirage fighter was only lightly damaged and landed safely at the air base, NATO said. The Lithuanian pilots successfully ejected from their L-39 Albatros jet after the collision at 10:30 a.m. local time, according to NATO.

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Russias top investigative body said eight people, including seven policeman, died after suicide bombings in the capital of Chechnya. A statement from the Investigative Committee said three perpetrators of the Tuesday evening blasts in Grozny had been identified, but did not specify how many explosions there were. Some Russian news reports said there were two blasts. According to the Wednesday statement, the bombers blew themselves up when police stopped them during a search operation. A further 22 people were wounded, the committee said. The blasts were the bloodiest recent incident of violence in Chechnya.

mOSCOW, RUSSIA

PoStER SALE SCoRES

ADVISERS
General manager and news adviser Malcolm Gibson Sales and marketing adviser Jon Schlitt
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Enjoy free food, free beverages, and music every Friday before home football games at the Alumni Center. All students are welcome!
VANCE CARLSoN/KANSAN

Amy Adams, a freshman from Fort Worth, Texas, got her poster after seeing a similar one in her friends room. She said she liked the contrast between black and white and color in the photos.

Event details 11a.m.-1p.m., or until food runs out, weather permitting. Friday, September 2 Friday, September 9 Friday, September 30 Where Adams Alumni Center www.kualumni.org Friday, October 14 Friday, October 21 Friday, November 11

Contact Us

KANSAN mEDIA PARtNERS

Check out KUJH-TV on Knology of Kansas Channel 31 in Lawrence for more on what youve read in todays Kansan and other news. Also see KUJHs website at tv.ku.edu. KJHK is the student voice in radio. Whether its rock n roll or reggae, sports or special events, KJHK 90.7 is for you.

Donovan Oldham, a senior from Kansas City, Kan., bought his Japan poster in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Tokyo with his brother, who won the vacation in a contest. Oldham said that he was interested in different cultures and traveling and that he had studied in Paris last summer.

VANCE CARLSoN/KANSAN

SEE mORE OF THE pOSTERS AND THE STORIES bEHIND THEm http://udkne.ws/mP4Dhy

2000 Dole human Developement Center 1000 Sunnyside Ave. Lawrence Kan., 66045

FOOD BEVERAGES MUSIC!

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN A&m fROm PAGE 1

school. In order for the Aggies to receive an invite from the SEC, nine of the 12 SEC university presidents would have to vote in favor of adding Texas A&M to the conference. The addition of Texas A&M would give the SEC 13 teams, and it will likely look elsewhere for a 14th team. As I have indicated throughout this process, we are seeking to generate greater visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial resources to support our athletic and academic programs, Loftin said. This is a 100-year decision that we have addressed carefully and methodically. Texas A&M is an extraordinary institution, and we look forward to what the future may hold for Aggies worldwide. Texas A&M has been a member of the Big 12 since 1996. Last season, the Aggies claimed nine Big 12 championships and four national team titles, according to www.tamu.edu. Since their admittance to the conference 15 years ago, they have claimed 55 conference championships. Texas A&Ms departure leaves an already depleted Big 12 with nine teams. The Big 12 has been a primary were focusing on the bottom dollar rather than examining each plan closely. Dining Services is making some additional changes to its dining centers, installing flatscreen TVs and wireless internet access in Mrs. Es and Oliver. Kidwell said that the department hoped to have those features done by mid or late September. In colleges and universities today, our dining rooms are becoming literally the social networking site, Kidwell said. Additionally, because of ongoing construction at GSP-Corbin Hall, Dining Services created a special

thURSDAY, SEPtEmbER 1, 2011

target in the conference realignment shuffle over the past year, losing Colorado to the Pac 12 and Nebraska to the Big Ten. It has yet to be determined whether the Big 12 will seek to expand or simply remain at nine teams. The only school that has publicly expressed a desire to join the conference is Southern Methodist University. Texas A&Ms letter of withdrawal to the Big 12 comes just one day after the school refuted a report in The New York Times that said the school submitted the letter to Beebe on Monday. Edited by Jennifer DiDonato http://texas.rivals.com/ Corbin package for this year. The plan gives students access to five hot meals a week, two Cuisine-ToGo meals per day and $500 yearly in Cuisine Cash. Dining officials said they would be tracking responses to the changes, but so far thought that things were going well. Were seeing 200 to 300 people in the time that would have been between lunch and dinner previously, said Jeff Schilling, assistant manager at Mrs. Es. I would say that thats a successful and positive thing. Edited by Mike lavieri

PAGE 3

DINING fROm PAGE 1

Adegoke said. Sacha Sinclair, a junior from London, said an unlimited plan would have been a waste of money for her. She instead selected a Blue Basic plan, which costs $2,798 per year and gives students $100 yearly in Cuisine Cash. Kidwell said that she hadnt received much feedback on the new plans yet. Because students could select meal plans online this year with their housing contracts, Kidwell said Dining Services were somewhat concerned that students

eDUCATIOn

Cursive writing eliminated from new school curriculum

tIffANY SChROEDER tschroeder@kansan.com
Lexie Forman-Ortiz, a senior from San Francisco, is unknowingly becoming the exception rather than the norm for students in college. She stands out because of something she does every day: write in cursive. Some educators consider cursive to be outdated and unnecessary, and this years state educational standards no longer require that it be taught. Last October, Kansas adopted a set of education standards aimed at regulating the information taught in schools across the country. The standards are part of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which has also been adopted by 45 other states. The education standards laid out in the initiative seek to create one universal set of concepts that students in kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) will need to know before graduating high school. This would ensure that all K-12 students received the same quality of education and would all get the necessary knowledge and skills needed to go on to college or enter the job market. To create a universal set of educational standards, a few old requirements had to be replaced. One of which includes the requirement to teach cursive. Under that standard, states are no longer required to teach their students cursive. Instead of spending time teaching cursive, the standard requires states to spend more time teaching K-12 students how to type. Some critics of the initiative argue that cursive is a vital skill and is necessary in getting a job. David Gaston, director of the University Career Center, counters the argument by saying that even today, knowing how to write in cursive is not a skill employers are demanding. So far, when employers are recruiting, weve never had anyone list cursive as a job requirement, Gaston said. Supporters of the initiative agree with Gaston. They are in favor of getting rid of cursive because few students still use it when writing. This holds true for some university students, even though they were taught to write in cursive. I hand write my notes and type everything else, said Seth Williams, a sophomore from Olathe. I only use cursive to write my own name. Regardless of whether or not they used cursive, Forman-Ortiz, Gaston and Williams all agreed that knowing how to type is a necessary skill that K-12 students will need. However, despite the importance of keeping up with modern technology, Gaston and Forman-Ortiz think that cursive should still be taught because of the things that a pen can do that a keyboard cant. I still think its important to know cursive because theres something to be said about writing something down with your own hands, Forman-Ortiz said. Its not like the relationship with a computer; you connect to the words more. Maybe it forces more memory or takes more thought because it takes more time to do it. Edited by Mike lavieri

CONtRIbUtED bY JERRY WANG Tyler Amble, a sophomore from Shawnee, runs with the quaffle during a Quidditch match.

CLUbS fROm PAGE 1 ThE KU Ugly SwEaTEr & KiTE Flying SoCiETy:

from the experience. We just have a great time. Its an easy-going club. Id like to think were an approachable bunch of dorks, Renzelman said.

lExiE ForMan-orTiZ SEnior FroM San FranCiSCo, 22

halliE MCCorMiCK SEnior FroM KanSaS CiTy, Kan., 22

Everyone has their guilty pleasure, and for some KU students it consists of ugly sweaters and flying kites. Starting out as a humorous joke among a few friends, the KU Ugly Sweater and Kite Flying Society has grown to reach almost 50 members. Anyone who has an undying love of ugly sweaters and/or loves to fly kites and be silly, just show up. Bring your friends. Bring your friends friends. Just RSVP via Facebook if you can, junior vice president Caroline Renzelman said. Ugly sweaters are worn for their parties and holiday-themed celebrations. During the months when the weather is too warm for sweater wearing, the group carpools to Clinton Lake to relax and fly their kites. The KU Ugly Sweaters and Kite Flying Society has decided to use their unusual infatuation and turn it into a charity event to help others. We will definitely be hosting an ugly sweater Christmas party which we will be taking donations at for either Adopt a Family or Soldier, but other events have yet to be organized, Renzelman said. Relaxation, meeting new friends, and having a good time are the things that The KU Ugly Sweater and Kite Flying Society hopes participants take away

Along with the usual police security, KU is also being looked after by another discreet protective system that has one focus: zombies. The Zombie Awareness Council is fully dedicated to educating the student body about the serious dangers of a zombie attack, providing movies and books to help members better understand the dangers of a real invasion and increasing the zombie defense at KU. The topic is fascinating from the medical perspective, but also the post-apocalyptic what would you do side. Besides, the University of Kansas is woefully unprepared for a zombie invasion. Thus the ZAC was born, said co-creator of ZAC, Alex Rippberger, a junior from Olathe. Members of the Zombie Awareness Council are completely firm in their beliefs about preparation

ThE ZoMBiE awarEnESS CoUnCil:

and understanding of the consequences a zombie outbreak could bring. There are potential for very serious discussions about pandemics, evacuations, emergencies, but these are tempered with the humor of zombie popular culture, Rippberger said. The Zombie Awareness Council isnt just for the zombie crazed. Attending the meetings, which are said to be organized soon, will not only provide information on the concept of zombies but are also an opportunity to try something new and meet people. I think everyone could benefit from some aspect of the organization. Whether you want a serious biology discussion or just a fun group of people to play an advanced form of tag (Humans vs. Zombies), or just chilling with friends while watching an old zombie movie, said Rippberger. With over 600 organizations available, it is apparent that KU has a group for everyones interests, no matter how unheard of or diverse. Edited by Stefanie Penn

TeChnOLOGY

Online courses require further determination

More students prefer sitting in a classroom than taking an online class, a new study by the Pew Research Center shows. Its easy to open a new tab and, like, stray away with that, so you definitely have to have another sense of maturity to be successful with online classes, said Jackie Langdon, a freshman from

Denver. Only 29 percent of adults think that an online class provides the same educational value as a traditional classroom, according to the study. I think: online classes, Im not a big fan of them. I dont think I would be, at least, just because you dont have teacher involvement, said Sam Goodrich, a sophomore from Topeka. You dont have someone to ask questions to. You dont have the students around.

College presidents dont agree, however. Fifty percent of college presidents think online classes and traditional classes have the same educational value, the study said, but in the future, many of these presidents expect that most of their students will take classes online. More than three-quarters of the colleges polled offer online courses. By Breanna McCarthy

Clyde Hoggatt
Junior majoring in English

CAMPUS

New interactive kiosks will scan users faces

The KU Memorial Unions will soon add six interactive kiosks to campus. Bob Terry, president of Axon Displays, said the software used in the kiosks will sort users by image into four categories and provide advertisers with information about their audience. These will soon make an appearance

on campus. The kiosks will include an interactive campus map, schedules for athletic events, access to the Universitys twitter accounts, event information and calendars. Those who are hesitant about image-tracking software need not worry; Axon Displays is not retaining images acquired by the program. Mike Reid, KU Memorial Union direc-

tor of public affairs, confirmed five of the six locations. Three are planned for the Kansas Union, two will be located in the Underground, while one is yet-to-be determined. The University of Kansas will be the first university in the nation to establish the kiosks on campus. By Kayla overbey

Won four tickets to the White Panda Concert at e Granada! Get caught reading the UDK. Win awesome prizes.

E
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
HOROSCOPES
Because the stars know things we dont. Aries (march 21-April 19) today is an 8 Today is great for preparations in private, especially regarding financial plans. Consider an investment in your education, and work out the details. This pays off. taurus (April 20-may 20) today is a 9 Investigate multiple sources of income, as you keep all balls in motion. Youre a master juggler, and your audience is growing. work with partners for greater benefit. Gemini (may 21-June 21) today is an 8 distant connections expand your boundaries, providing a fresh point of view. Its time to prepare to harvest those seeds you planted earlier this year. Cancer (June 22-July 22) today is a 7 do inventory and pay bills today ... its good to take stock. Invent an inspiring goal, and speculate on ways to achieve it. reward yourself by relaxing into a romantic afternoon. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) today is a 7 have fun without spending money. Theres plenty you can do close to home for the next three days, surrounded by family. send postcards to friends. remember those? Virgo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) today is a 7 The channels are open and ready to flow the way you like them to, you just need to make the call. define your terms and stand by what you believe in. Youll feel much better when its done. Libra (sept. 23-Oct. 22) today is a 9 You have plenty of great ideas to make money. share your dreams. Make sure you find the right partners, and you can easily accomplish mutual goals. scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) today is a 9 Your vitality is contagious and attractive, and others are paying attention. Youve got the connections and a strong focus on what you want. Bring home what you need. sagittarius (Nov. 22-dec. 21) today is a 6 others appreciate who you are (even if you dont). Pay attention to a well-deserved acknowledgment. record it if you can, and play it back in moments of doubt. Capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 19) today is an 8 Avoid distractions that keep you from reaching the finish line. Ignore pessimists. surround yourself with the people who love and support you. Be considerate and persistent. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) today is an 8 Your career is on the rise. Get after your growth, but only after considering the risks. A future of satisfying work is worth more than a temporary cash flow constraint. Pisces (Feb. 19-march 20) today is a 6 Expand your territory in the direction of least resistance. do the work, with loving support. Follow a dream to success. Take notes for future reference.

thursdAy, sEPtEmbEr 1, 2011 Crossword sudoku

PAGE 4

PLEAsE

entertainment

NEws
PAPEr
ChECk thE ANswErs At
http://udkne.ws/p7xr9h ElsEwhErE

this

rECyCLE

@
MovIEs

Theater owners fear effect of new discount film passes

mCCLAtChy-tribuNE
At a cinema in San Francisco, about 100 people recently showed up for a free screening of Transformers: Dark of the Moon and a presentation of a kind of Netflix for movie theaters. The service, called MoviePass, would allow consumers to watch all the movies they want for a $50 monthly fee. With the backing of AOL Ventures, the New York startup had planned a national rollout of the service this fall with online ticket firm MovieTickets. com. But before a single pass was sold, AMC Entertainment Inc. and other theater chains blasted MoviePass, saying they were blindsided and would not honor the pass. Plans for the program were developed without AMCs knowledge or input, Stephen Colanero, AMCs chief marketing officer, said in a statement. The proliferation of steep discounts on movie tickets is causing much anguish in the exhibition industry. In theory, theaters stand to benefit from promotions if they bring in more customers who buy lots of popcorn, soda and other highprofit concessions. With most promotions, theaters still get the full ticket price because third parties cover the cost of the discounts. Even so, some exhibitors fear the heavy marketing of low-priced tickets through discount services such as Groupon, LivingSocial and DailyCandy will erode their business by encouraging moviegoers to wait for a bargain before trekking to the megaplex. Some draw parallels to the effects that low-cost online videorental companies Netflix and Redbox have had on the slumping DVD business. Exhibitors can ill afford that, given that attendance the number of tickets sold is down about 5 percent this year compared with the same time in 2010 and has been flat for much of the last five years. Exhibitors have also expressed alarm that studios plans to release movies via video on demand just eight weeks after their theatrical release will further erode their business. For some theater owners, its a matter of control. I just dont want third parties setting our ticket prices, said Ted Mundorff, chief executive of Landmark Theatres, the chain co-owned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. We want to run our own business. Representatives of AMC, Regal and Cinemark all declined to comment. Some of the large chains do sell blocks of discounted tickets to Web retailers like Pasadena, Calif.based Goldstar and offer their own rewards programs. AMC, for example, recently launched a program called AMC Stubs: Customers who pay an annual fee of $12 receive rewards they can use toward tickets and concessions, based on how much they spend in the theater. Not surprisingly, movie ticket deals offered through websites like Groupon and DailyCandy are popular among consumers, especially in the current economic climate, when people are cutting back on discretionary spending and ticket prices are rising. The average ticket price in the U.S. was $8.06 in the second quarter of this year the highest level on record according to the theater association. Industry executives argue that going to the movies remains a relatively inexpensive form of entertainment and that ticket prices, when adjusted for inflation, are still lower than what they were in 1970. Still, some industry analysts believe that rising ticket prices, largely fueled by surcharges from 3-D films, are helping drive down movie theater attendance and making consumers more hungry for deals like MoviePass. Its something that could be very popular for consumers, but Im not sure about exhibitors and studios because its changing the economics of the industry, said Wade Holden, an analyst with the research firm SNL Kagan. They dont want to see customer expectations of pricing become lowered. Studios are barred under federal antitrust laws from being directly involved in setting ticket prices. But that hasnt stopped them from using ticket promotions to help market their movies.

CrYPToQuIP

TElEvIsIon

broadcast stations commemorate 9/11

Early on sept. 11, 2001, Americans watching morning news programs were stunned and horrified as the terrorist attacks on the world Trade Center in new York unfolded before their eyes. hard as it is to believe, 10 years have passed since that terrible morning, and television will lead up to the anniversary with programs attempting, again, to make some sense of a day that changed America. here is a closer look at three specials marking the anniversary: nGeorge w. Bush: The 9/11 Interview, premiered sunday (repeating at 10 p.m. this saturday) on the national Geographic Channel In an interview taped over two days with filmmaker Peter schnall, the former president recalls his experiences hour by hour that day and in the days that followed. Bush is the only person seen on camera, and only his voice is heard _ a selling point in gaining his agreement to participate, schnall suggested. This film is definitely his 10-year look in the rearview mirror of his life and at an event that without a doubt changed his presidency as it changed our lives as well, schnall said. nwhat happened? The story of sept. 11, 2001, 9 p.m. Thursday on nickelodeon linda Ellerbee has been helping children process tough topics since

1991, when nickelodeon asked her to do a special explaining the first Iraq war. since then, she has produced more than 100 nick news with linda Ellerbee specials. The new half-hour gives kids too young to remember 9/11 a forum to ask questions and talk about their feelings. Although most children know about the world Trade Center attacks, they are likely to be confused, Ellerbee said. nThe love we Make, 8 p.m. sept. 10 on showtime Paul McCartney was in new York City on sept. 11, 2001, and spent days walking the streets, dropping in at firehouses and eventually joining in the planning of a huge benefit Concert for new York City at Madison square Garden. Filmmaker Albert Maysles (Gimme shelter, Grey Gardens) followed McCartney, filming him in the same cinema verite style Maysles used for whats happening! The Beatles in the u.s.A. It was a really great feeling, McCartney said about the charity concert. we actually felt like we were doing a bit of good. McClatchy-Tribune

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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
opinion

thursdAy, sEPtEmbEr 1, 2011

PAGE 5

text in free for alls

liberal humanitarianism in foreign policy. Good intentions, alas, do not exempt people from the consequences of their decisions. It rapidly became clear that the West was committed to far more than an end to hostilities. Nothing less than Gadhafis removal from power would suffice. This led Obama to throw in the U.S. lot with the rebels National Transitional Council (NTC). Based in eastern Libya, the NTCs leaders purported to speak for the diverse rebel movement, which encompassed easterners, western tribesmen, and various political dissidents. NTC officials talked an impressive game about bringing democratic governance to Libya, but disturbing questions remained about whether a rebel victory would secure the human rights NATO professed to care so

) (785 289 1 835

InTErnaTIOnaL

Supporting Libyas new leader

the operation as essential to the
lbrinker@kansan.com

free fOr ALL

Send your FFA submissions to freeforall@kansan.com

My advice for a Selby reaction in the Phog: Dont cheer. Dont boo. Dont. Do. anything. FEEEEEEEEEEEEnYYYYYY!!!!! Is it kosher to sext free for all? This was possibly the best and most dangerous idea the FFa has ever had. Before I graduate I hope to see a sing off/rumble between two of the frat packs. West Side Story style. I really wish I had DVr, waking up at 6 to watch Boy Meets World is starting to get to me. Oh, youll know when I have swamp ass. Dibs on being the first one to use the texting free for all Editors note: You were actually number 45. nice try, though. I need to start dressing sluttier to compete with these sorority girls. Technical difficulties when trying to submit to the Free For all are THE WOrST. I dont know about you guys, but Im excited for Brownback to cut music, art and equal rights. True american fundamentalism there. Some please tell KU to get a nike contract ... so we can at least look good while getting smashed in football. Freshman, stop standing in front of every door on campus, Im done squeezing between your bag and your friends padded bra. Pay attention freshman: the park and ride DOES nOT STOP On DaISY HILL UnTIL 6 P.M.!!! Get it together. Im recently joined the legendary extravagant gentlemen in Tijuana. Its also called winning at life with tequila. That awkward moment when you were blasting CaTS only to realize your headphones werent completely plugged in. On a crowded bus. The awkward moment when u see a dudes Chinese tattoo in a totally wrong writing... aSK YOUr CHInESE DUDES TO LOOK aT IT BEFOrE GETTInG IT!!! You, with the camel toe. Your shorts are too small. Everyday. Thats concerning. I dont know what people are talking about with changes to the underground. Then again I have severe aDHD. KU please, please get Diet Dr Pepper on campus! College is like communism. Professors pretend to teach, and we pretend to learn. I am genuinely sorry for fratting. also, in reading the FFa (almost daily) I have realized how unintelligent the majority of out populous is. USa! Just talked about legalizing incest in class, and no one had a problem, cocaine on the other hand...

When Libyas rebels rolled into Tripoli, supporters of the NATOled operation to oust Moammar Gadhafis regime claimed vindication. Does John Boehner still believe U.S. military operations in Libya are illegal? tweeted ThinkProgress, an American political blog, as if the apparent rebel victory somehow resolved bipartisan concerns over the constitutionality of the military campaign, which was not authorized by Congress. President Barack Obama signed on in March to French-led efforts to launch airstrikes against Gadhafi regime targets. The ostensible purpose was to avert, in Obamas words, brutal repression and a looming humanitarian crisis. Believing the national attitude that there must be an American solution to any problem in the world, the president vigorously defended

By Luke Brinker

human rights of Libyans. Its hard to doubt Obamas good intentions. Libya never supplied much oil to the U.S., and oil production plummeted after the start of airstrikes, so most serious observers wont think Libya was a war for cheaper oil. Although our culture relishes the search for ulterior motives, its undeniable that the president surrounded himself with advisors like Samantha Power and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice who are committed to

much about. The warning signs were plentiful. When protestors first took to the streets of Benghazi, Libya, in February, many sought to rally opposition to Gadhafi with the laughable claim that he was Jewish. Moreover, eastern Libya, the rebels stronghold, provided many of the foreign fighters who had joined the insurgency against U.S. forces in Iraq. Feuding factions within the rebel movement came to the fore last month with the killing of Gen. Abdul Fattah Younes at the hands of fellow rebels. In an especially harrowing episode last week, rebel forces slaughtered sub-Saharan Africans because the Gadhafi regime had often employed these poor black men as servants and mercenaries. While its important to remember the 42 years of authoritarian

misrule by Gadhafi, does such indiscriminate violence indicate that the new leaders will be any more respectful of pluralism and human rights? During the past five decades, Gadhafis inhumanity became all too apparent. But does it serve the U.S. national interest to prop up a new set of rulers whose chief claim to democratic fame is that they hated the old despot? Far from justifying military operations in Libya, the rebel victory challenges the decision to back a rebel movement whose commitment to democracy is suspect at best. Luke Brinker is a senior from Topeka majoring in history. Follow him on Twitter @LukeBrinker.

us credit downgrade What is the value may inspire a solution of your education?
Id be willing to bet most people have not been paying attention to politics this summer. Why would you? What happens in Washington is unlikely to affect the sunshine on the deck of your apartment complexs pool. But it was pretty impossible to avoid hearing about the debt ceiling and the countrys credit rating. The whole thing can be confusing but think of the debt ceiling as the limit on the countrys credit card. Its an arbitrary number determined by Congress that represents the amount the country can go into debt. This number has been raised frequently in the past, and the United States has always been able to pay it off. Soon, however, if Congress keeps raising that number, it may not be able to pay that off, sending the country further into debt. Just like people, every country also has a credit rating (havent you seen those commercials?). This number determines whether countries can take out loans, and the interest they pay on them. Outside firms determine these ratings. The United States has always been rated the highest rating: AAA. After a long political battle

ECOnOMICS

COLLEGE

By Alex Boyer
aboyer@kansan.com

this summer, Congress passed the largest debt reduction bill in our countrys history in a bipartisan compromise. Truth is, it still isnt enough. Thats why one of the credit firms, Standard & Poor, downgraded the US to an AA+ rating (An AA+ rating is like the shorter, balding guy in the hockey mask in those commercials, which is not good). There was panic that this would send us further into a recession. It hasnt yet. In fact, I think that the downgrade is actually a good thing. This country is almost broke, and the government wont be able to pay its bills if it continues spending more than it takes in. This credit downgrade has served as a wake-up call, and now politicians from both sides of the aisle are looking to cut spending. One downgrade from one

firm is unlikely to hurt us in the short term, but it might light enough of a fire under Washington politicians to do something before the other firms downgrade us as well. America needs to stop our out-of-control spending to get us back to that AAA rating, and maybe the downgrade is just what we need to make that happen. Now you may be asking yourself Why should I care? What does it have to do with me? Well, like the electric bill, the United States debt cant go unpaid too long. Eventually someone will have to pay for it plus interest, and it is likely to be our generation. Taxes will be raised on us to pay those bills off, and programs like Medicare and Social Security, which we are already paying into directly from our paychecks, will be sacrificed in order to pay those bills off. If the credit downgrade is what we need to prevent this from happening, then it truly is a blessing in disguise. Alex Boyer is a senior in political science and journalism from Lawrence. Follow him on Twitter @AlexBoyer90

By Jacob Moffitt
jmoffitt@kansan.com

CAmPus

bACK
UDK

CHirPs

does texas A&m really matter to the big 12?

Follow us on Twitter @UDK_Opinion. Tweet us your opinions, and we just might publish them.

As another semester begins, we students try to cut back on the nights spent at the bars and correct our sleeping schedules so we are able to wake up before noon. Each fall, I have the same crippling fear. I fear I will not meet the expectations I set for myself. Every year I begin by telling myself that this year will be different and I will go beyond what my professors expect of me, but it always falls apart about three weeks into the semester when I fall behind on reading assignments and deadlines. Considering that this is my senior year, its inevitable that this season of my life is coming to an end. This is my last chance to go above and beyond the call of duty. I no longer want to be hitting the print button at 5 a.m. on the day the assignment is due. Friedrich Nietzsche, in his book Twilight of the Idols, saw education deteriorating because there were too many students who attended it for job training and stated it lacked intellect; furthermore, higher education was turning students into machines, and not critical thinkers. College has gone from receiving a higher education to a really expensive and time-consuming

trade school. The point is that colleges and universities were institutions founded on the principle of gaining knowledge, not just learning one specific trade in order to get a better paying job. I would be lying if I said I wasnt here for the prospect of one day receiving a decent income from having a piece of paper that says I am educated, but also I expect to be a better critical thinker and to be a better person from that knowledge as well. Recently, Gov. Sam Brownback said that for the states universities to receive higher rankings, they must focus on specific programs that are more profitable, while possibly cutting less-attended majors. This is not only a threat to students but it is also a threat to higher education. To focus on only a few focal, but arguably more profitable, programs disregards the whole point of education. Brownbacks plan to raise the academic rankings and to make the University more profitable may be a somewhat beneficial. However, it is not what is best for higher education as a whole. To return to my earlier point, no matter what program or classes you are enrolled in for this fall semester, attempt to go that extra mile to truly gain knowledge. That said, I just I hope I can have the discipline to turn off Netflix and to instead open a book. Moffitt is a senior in English and philosophy from Wichita.

@udK_Opinion I cant wait

to laugh at them being in the bottom tier of the SEC.

hannzbanans

@udK_Opinion The only school that can

really ensure the future of the big 12 is Texas.... Im sorry to say,but they will never go to the SEC.

simonkindel3

@udK_Opinion no! Good ridance. If they

cant stand to lose then we dont need them. Lets bring in some real teams.

the_colby_zone

HOw tO submit A Letter tO tHe editOr

Letter GuideLines
Send letters to kansanopdesk@gmail.com. Write Letter tO tHe editOr in the e-mail subject line. Length: 300 words The submission should include the authors name, grade and hometown.Find our full letter to the editor policy online at kansan. com/letters.
Kelly stroda, editor 864-4810 or kstroda@kansan.com Joel Petterson, managing editor 864-4810 or jpetterson@kansan.com Jonathan shorman, managing editor 864-4810 or jshorman@kansan.com Clayton Ashley, managing editor 864-4810 or cashley@kansan.com mandy matney, opinion editor 864-4924 or mmatney@kansan.com Vikaas shanker, editorial editor 864-4924 or vshanker@kansan.com

COntACt us

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tHe editOriAL bOArd

Members of The Kansan Editorial Board are Kelly Stroda, Joel Petterson, Jonathan Shorman, Vikaas Shanker, Mandy Matney and Stefanie Penn.

PAGE 6

thURSDAY, SEPtEmbER 1, 2011

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

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Limited-time offer. Subject to wireless customer agrmt. Credit approval reqd. Activ. fee $36/line. Coverage & svcs, including mobile broadband, not avail everywhere. Geographic, usage & other conditions & restrictions (that may result in svc termination) apply. Taxes & other chrgs apply. Prices & equip. vary by mkt & may not be avail. from ind. retailers. See store or visit att.com for details and coverage map. Early Termination Fee (ETF): None if cancelled during first 30 days, but a $35 restocking fee may apply; after 30 days, ETF up to $325, depending on device (details att.com/equipmentETF). Subject to change. Agents may impose addl fees. Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrgd to help defray costs of complying with govt obligations & chrgs on AT&T & is not a tax or govt reqd chrg. Offer Details: Motorola Atrix 4G price with 2-year wireless svc agreement on voice & minimum $15/mo. data plan required is $99.99. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment. Smartphone Data Plan Requirement: Min. $15/mo. DataPlus (200MB) plan required; $15 automatically chrgd for each additional 200MB provided if initial 200MB is exceeded. All data, including overages, must be used in the billing period in which it is provided or be forfeited. For more details on data plans, go to att.com/dataplans. Monthly discount: Service discount applies only to the monthly service charge of qualified plans and not to any other charges. Available only to qualified students and employees of colleges/universities with a qualified business agreement. Other service discount qualification requirements may apply. Offer may be changed or discontinued without notice. Restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. See store for details. Screen images simulated. 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. Service provided by AT&T Mobility. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

thURSDAY, SEPtEmbER 1, 2011

PAGE 7

x-GAmER

cAmPUS
Photos by Chris Bronson

tRIcKS oUt

X-Game gold medalist Terry Adams of Hammond, La., performs tricks in front of students at Budig Hall Wednesday afternoon. The University of Kansas was one of the many stops on his Red Bull BMX Bike Tour.

Adams rides on one wheel of his bike in front of Strong Hall Wednesday afternoon. He has graced the cover or been featured in many of the major BMX magazines.

Adams freestyles in front of Wescoe Beach Wednesday afternoon. After his performance on campus, Adams will head to Nebraska as he continues on his tour.

Adams performed tricks and stunts on campus from noon to 2 p.m. He is a professional BMX rider who won the 2005 X-Games gold medal. He entered the professional circuit at the age of 16.

See the reSt online

http://udkne.ws/ojvcDQ

Want to knoW What photo Staff iS doing?

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PAGE 8 fOOtBall

thURSDAY, SEPtEmbER 1, 2011 bIG 12 fRom PAGE 10

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

own conference. With the SEC expanded to 13 teams, they would undoubtedly be in the search for at least one more. The Pac-12 made it known last year that it wants to expand to 16 teams if possible. Rumors swirled during last summers conference shuffle that they wanted to try and get Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and possibly one more team from Texas, either Tech or Baylor. If the Pac-12 became the Pac16, the other big conferences would most likely want to keep up. The SEC could extend a bid to Missouri. Missouri has made it known that they have been interested in moving to the Big Ten before Nebraska got the nod. They might jump at the chance to become A&Ms opposite in the SEC and save themselves. Kansas alone would possibly be tempting to any Big Conference because of its strong basketball program and BCS success as recently as 2008. Kansas is also an AAU accredited school, a distinction that all Big 10 schools held until Nebraska lost its accreditation last summer. If Kansas can separate from Kansas State, it could find its way into one of the power conferences. Kansas is, as of now, stuck to the hip of Kansas State. If they cant separate themselves, they might end up out of the automatic qualifying conferences and stuck in an enlarged Mountain West or Conference-USA. Regardless, should the Big 12 dissolve, the chances of Kansas sticking with both rivals, KSU and Missouri, in the same conference appear to be unlikely. Edited by Stefanie Penn

Sophomore running back D.J. Beshears breaks past two Oklahoma State defenders. Beshears and the rest of the football team will take on McNeese State on Saturday.

KANSAN fILE Photo

Prepping for McNeese offense

mIKE VERNoN
mvernon@kansan.com The Kansas Jayhawks have been preparing all week for a battle with McNeese State Universitys prostyle offense, which has a proven track record against Kansas defense, this Saturday in Lawrence. The Cowboys are no ordinary FCS opponents, as they have finished either first or second in the Southland Conference for the past five seasons. In practice this week, the focus has been on the plays that McNeese State coach Matt Viator will bring to the field. The Cowboys will be putting the pressure on the Jayhawks defense, with a well-balanced offense, which had loads of success running the ball last year with an average of 153.8 yards a game. boys running backs, as the teams Coach Turner Gill said the line- strong positions will be going at backer and safety positions tack- it. McNeese starting running back ling will be particularly important senior Andre Anderson ran for for the Kansas defense come game 906 yards last year with an avertime. age of 5.0 yards per carry. Theyve got Kansas sesome pretty nior middle good running linebacker and theyve got some pretty backs that lead returning good running backs that were going to tackler Steven were going to have to have to tackle Johnson will well, Gill said. be spearheadtackle well. Their receiving the camturNer gill ers are going paign to stop Coach to make some the Cowboys plays after the rushing attack. catch. Thats They have why I said were going to have to some little, quick running backs tackle well, and if we do that, well and an offensive line that is pretty be successful on defense. physical, Johnson said. The linebackers will be payWhile the Jayhawks will have ing special attention to the Cow- to worry about stopping the run,

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the Cowboys passing attack is not one to be neglected. Sophomore quarterback Cody Stroud started two games last year and played in eight, and McNeese State averaged 188.7 passing yards a game. With the balanced passing and rushing attack, defensive coordinator Vic Shealy said, the Cowboys offense is very similar to one youd see in the NFL on Sundays. The route structures are very similar to the west coast, prostyle, Shealy said. Its just a good, well thought out scheme. Safety Keeston Terry knows that the Jayhawks inexperienced secondary will have to stay on their toes all game, because McNeeses frequently mixes up their plays. They run a lot of play action, Terry said. They run a lot of posts and corner routes. Its nothing we havent faced in practice from our offense. McNeese State has gone 39-15 since coach Viator has taken over the program. They have an established system on offense that will pressure the Kansas defense early in the season. They going to come in here and try to upset us again, but we make sure we cannot let that happen, Johnson said. Edited by Alexandra Esposito

peals to the Big 12 because TCU proved it could hang with the big boys after defeating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl last season. On the other hand, TCU moves to the Big East beginning in 2012, which would be a huge hurdle to jump, but the Big 12 would be a much better fit. The travel costs would be significantly less and the competition in the Big 12 is higher quality. Boise State made waves when it defeated Oklahoma in overtime of the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on a statue of liberty play. Since then, it has grown into the underdog media darling. They have proven they can compete against the BCS schools time and time again, including last year when they traveled across the country to defeat Virginia Tech on a neutral field in Landover, MD. Boise State brings competitive football, but they just switched to the Mountain West Conference from the Western Athletic Conference. Boise State is also under investigation for athletic violations, which could result in sanctions that might scare away the Big 12 conference. Rice University is attractive to the Big 12 because of its history with the Old Southwest Conference and maintains its longstanding rivalry with Texas. Rice doesnt have the athletic prestige of some of the other teams on this list, but they do have an endowment of $3.8 billion as of June, 2010, according to the Rice website, and are highly regarded academically. The other side of the spectrum is much scarier for Kansas fans. If the Big 12 were to dissolve, it would send its members out in a scramble for each to find their

VoLLEYbALL fRom PAGE 10

ball is really good there, and clubs are even better. I think that gave us a really smooth transition into coming here and it gave us the best opportunity to come in and play right away as freshmen. McClinton said she is thankful to have someone across the court with a similar background going through all the same freshman aches and pains. I love that Chelsea is with me and knowing she is always going to be there, McClinton said. With our class, we can just keep building and theres always going to be another person that is going to push me and help the team. Were on the same level and were ready to bring the team up. Both Albers and McClinton are outside hitters, but Bechard does not see a struggle for playing time on the horizon. Both are expected to be on the court

when the Jayhawks open their home schedule this Friday in the Jayhawk Invitational at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. They both have family making the trip down from Nebraska this weekend, including McClintons mother Ruth OCallaghan, who was a three-time All-American volleyball player during her college career. My mom was my first coach, and the first person that really got me interested in the sport, McClinton said. I always had someone who knew what they were doing, and if I had questions I could just come home and she would give me answers. But McClinton is not expecting any pointers from the stands this weekend. Not now, McClinton said. As Ive passed into college, shes kind of given the responsibility to the coaches and backed off a bit. Edited by Jonathan Shorman

MlB

tigers rally late to beat Royals in series finale

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the Kansas City royals probably should be riding a three-game winning streak into thursdays series finale against Detroit. instead, thanks to two blown eighth-inning leads, Kansas City needs a victory just to split the fourgame set with the first-place tigers. We just need to find a way to close out these games, said rookie third baseman Mike Moustakas, who went 1 for 4 in Kansas Citys 5-4 loss on Wednesday. this time, Kansas City led 4-2 going into the eighth, but Blake Wood (5-2) couldnt get the clean inning the royals needed to hand things over to closer Joakim Soria. austin Jackson sparked the winning rally with a leadoff triple for his fourth hit of the game. ramon Santiago followed with a sacrifice fly. With one out and Delmon Young on first, Victor Martinez hit a tying double into left-center. alex gordon made a diving attempt on the ball but couldnt haul it in. alex made the dive, and i couldnt tell if he got it or not until i saw Melky

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(Cabrera) running after the ball, royals manager Ned Yost said. He covered a lot of ground to even get close to that. alex avila was intentionally walked before Wilson Betemit hit a liner into the right-field corner to drive in pinchrunner Brennan Boesch. Jeff francoeur cut down avila at the plate to end the inning. it was a combination of bad pitches by me and good swings by them, Wood said. i threw Wilson a slider down and in, and he just dropped the bat head on it. the tigers acquired the journeyman Betemit from the royals on July 20. i know Blake throws hard, so i was looking for something i could hit, Betemit said. He threw me a slider, and i put a great swing on it. the royals put two runners on in the ninth, but Jose Valverde retired alcides escobar for his 40th save in 40 chances. every time you lose a one-run game, you hate it, Yost said. We had a two-run lead and we couldnt hold it in the eighth. eric Hosmer had a pair of solo homers for Kansas City, which has dropped four of six. Hosmer connected in the second and the fourth, hitting a drive to right on a 1-2 pitch each time. You tell yourself you dont want to go down swinging and i got two pitches that were up, he said. But good teams find ways to win games in the later innings, and thats what they did. Kansas City added two more runs in the sixth to take a 4-2 lead. gordon hit a leadoff single and scored on Cabreras double. Associated Press

thE UNIVERSItY DAILY KANSAN

thURSDAY, SEPtEmbER 1, 2011

PAGE 9

What conference was Texas A&M part of before the Big 12?

Q:

tRIVIA of thE DAY

A: Southwest Conference.

!
QUotE of thE DAY fAct of thE DAY

Texas A&M is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference and will continue to be affiliated with the conference in the future. Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin in a June 15, 2010, arcticle

cbssports.com

Passion will translate to French sports

Max Lush
mlush@kansan.com

The MornIng BreW

Since joining the Big 12, Texas A&M has zero basketball conference championships and one football conference championship (1998). cbssports.com

y French might falter, but my love of sports never will. By the time you are reading this I will be spending my first afternoon of many in Europe. Im studying in France for the semester to finish out my French minor, and I am both extremely nervous and excited about the trip. Despite taking six years of French classes, I still do not possess as much confidence as I would like in my French skills. Im nervous about getting around France with trivial, everyday things. Will I remember how to ask directions? Will I be able to have, you know, conversations with people? How do I not look like

an ignorant American? One thing that I am not worried about is translating my passion for sports. When I was a toddler, no teddy bears graced my sheets. No, when I was a wee one I slept with one thing and one thing only: a black and green soccer ball. That thing never left my side. I took it everywhere and with it my neverending love for sports kicked off. Aside from perfecting my French, Im eager to learn about European sporting culture. The city where Ill be studying, Angers,

France, is home to three professional sports teams: a second division soccer team, a first division ice hockey team and a second division basketball team. The flow between first and second divisions in European sports leagues perhaps interests me the most. The bottom three teams of the top league get relegated to the second tier league, while the top three teams from the second tier get promoted to the first tier. The same ebb and flow happens in third and fourth tier divisions. The amount of devotion and love a fan must have for their team when it gets demoted to a lower league is hard to fathom. Yes, my

San Francisco 49ers have been terrible for about, oh, a decade or so, but there is always next year to look to in America. Sure, they could be the worst team in the NFL, but theres always a high draft pick to look forward to, right? As much as I love the Niners, if looking forward to next year meant watching Alex Smith toss pick after pick in the freaking UFL, my passion would be fading fast. Imagine how much less fun game day at Memorial Stadium, Allen Fieldhouse, Hoglund Ballpark or any of the Universitys sports complexes would be if a single bad season meant the next would be spent toiling away in Division II sports.

Now imagine the life of a coach trying to recruit athletes to a recently relegated team. I prefer imagining a world where the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry exists, thank you very much. I truly believe the best way to understand a culture is to understand the sports they play and watch. So while I study French, I plan on attending as many sporting events in Europe as I can. Or at least as many as I can afford. Along the way, I hope to learn about why sports are so universally accepted and loved. Edited by Jonathan Shorman

thIS wEEK IN SPoRtS

Thurs. Fri. Sat.
vs. Mcneese State at 6 p.m. in Lawrence

Sport
Football Volleyball Soccer M. Golf W. Golf Rowing Tennis Cross Country

Sun.

Mon.

Tues.

Wed.

Jayhawk Invitational at noon and 7 p.m. in Lawrence vs. Missouri State at 7 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.

Jayhawk Invitational at 1 p.m. in Lawrence

vs. South Dakota State at 1 p.m. in Lawrence

want more information about all things sports?

Visit Kansan.com to view photo galleries, rosters and stats.

@
Bob Timmons Classic at 9 a.m. in Lawrence

KANSANCLASSIFIEDS
jobs housing
SALE

announcements textbooks for sale

785-864-4358
HOUSING
Saddlebrook Townhomes Luxury, Affordable & Loaded w/ extras! 2 BR, 2 Bath, garage Pool, Spa & Fitness Center 625 Folks Road. 785-832-8200 www.firstmanagementinc.com Great house. Great location, close to campus. 3 BR, 2BTH, LV room, dining and kitchen. Family room with FP. 2 car garage. W/D hookup. Newly restored. $1100 per mth. Call 842-0508.

HAWKCHALK.COM
HOUSING
1-2BRs, nice apts. 1 block to KU, off street pkg. $400 - $500/mo. Great Location. 913-963-5555, 913-681-6762. 2 bedrooms $650-$800 4 bedroom Farm House $975.00 Available Now 785-832-8728/ 785 331-5360 www.lawrencepm.com FREE SEPTEMBER RENT 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Parkway Commons Apartments 3601 Clinton Pkwy. 785-842-3280 www.firstmanagementinc.com FREE SEPTEMBER RENT 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Highpointe Apartments 2001 W. 6th. 785-841-8468 www.firstmanagementinc.com

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BARTENDING. Up to $300/day No experience necessary. Training courses available. 800-965-6520 Ext. 108

JOBS
Earn $1000-$3200/mo to drive new cars with ads. www.FreeCarJobs.com Wanted Part time evening Babysitter in the KC area. Please contact Mindy 913-953-6571 Growing Medical Supply company in search of 7 PT employees. M-TH 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. needed immediately. Please contact Rachel at rip@surepointmedical.com Shadow Glen Golf Club is about to start training for our dining room wait staff positions. Enjoy free meals and earn golf privileges in a fun atmosphere. Flexible scheduling for students. 15 minutes from campus off K-10. We prefer people with experience, but will train the right individuals. Email resume and availability to waitstaff@shadowglen.org Part-time help needed in busy doctors office. Mon, Wed, & Fri 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sat 8 a.m. to noon. Call 785-749-0130 for information. Part time teacher position for early education program. Send resume to: Childrens Learning Center, 205 N. Michigan, Lawrence, KS 66044 or email clc5@sunflower.com. EOE.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK
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St. John After School Care Staff 3-5:30 pm, 2-5 days/wk in afte school program for grades K-6. St. John School 1208 Kentucky. Experience working with children required. Contact Director of Extended Care. 785-760-6400 or email atsjscare@saint-johns.net for more info.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vail Beaver Creek Keystone Arapahoe Basin

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JOBS
Seeking self-motivated persons for PT positions at Lawrence Municipal Airport. Lineman position reguires fueling and parking aircraft along with other general responsibilities. Receptionist position requires customer service, phones, unicom, and bookkeeping. Weekday shifts 4-8pm plus weekend hours. 1-2 evenings per week and 2-3 weekends per month, year round. Apply at Hetrick Air Services, Lawrence Airport Mon. - Fri. 8am-8pm.

PART TIME Seeking candidates w/good computer skills & an eye for products. Help find & populate our DB and assign product attributes. Also seeking paid strategic marketing interns. 15-24/hrs/wk Mon Fri $8.25 to start. 1617 St Andrews Dr Resume to tschmidt@ coolproducts.com

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The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence is now seeking the following part-time positions: Group Leaders. After-school hrs. (1-6 pm). Some morning shifts available (7-9am). Approx. 14-20 hrs/week at $8.00/hr. Youth development experience preferred. AmeriCor Members Hours vary during and after school (25 hrs./wk). Living stipend provided. Education award available at completion of 900 service hours. Must be self-starter able to work indepen ently. Positions open immediately. Please apply in person at: Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence 1520 Haskell Ave Lawrence, KS 66044

S
Volume 124 Issue 10

kansan.com

Thursday, September 1, 2011

THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN

life after a&M

Post-Aggie Big 12 must either expand or disband

sports

COMMENTARY

Stupid switch, Aggies

By Mike Vernon
mvernon@kansan.com

n 1920, the Aggie War Hymn was created with the opening lyrics, Goodbye to Texas University; So long to the orange and the white. Ninety-one years later it appears Texas A&M is taking the words of their fight song to heart as they are actually splitting their ties with the University of Texas (and the rest of the Big 12 along the way). After rejecting an invitation to join the Southeastern Conference one year ago, Texas A&M decided they would, in fact, like to join the SEC and do so quickly. The excuse the Aggies used to change their minds and go to the SEC just one year later: The Longhorn Network was attempting to air high school football games, which would give Texas a supposed recruiting advantage. The Longhorn Network may have pushed Texas A&M officials over the edge, but Aggie fans have been clamoring for the switch ever since the thought of conference realignment began. The Aggie way of thinking not only puts an unfair amount of pressure on A&M officials to make the move but is also very shortsighted, at that. Texas A&M fans and officials are now putting their conference stature over winning football games, plain and simple. The Aggies are 53-72-4 against the current members of the SEC West, according to CBS Sports. This doesnt sound like a move that has been well thought out. A&M fans believe that joining the SEC will finally give them a much needed recruiting edge over the University of Texas, a program that will still have more money and a higher prestige than A&M. Even if the Aggies can now sell the SEC recruiting pitch to kids, it may not mean much: Of Scout. coms top 20 prospects in Texas for 2011, only one is going to an SEC school. Even further, only two of the top 40 Texas recruits from 2011 are going to an SEC school. Meanwhile, 11 of the top 40 recruits will be playing football in Austin, Texas this season. A&M is making a move that will put them in the lower echelon of the top football conference instead of remaining in the upper echelon of one of the top conferences (albeit a very unstable one). Quite simply, this is Texas A&M giving the finger to Texas for being better than them in nearly every way, shape and form. Instead of beating the Longhorns head-tohead, they decided losing more games in a better conference would be the proper form of revenge. So now its the Big 12s turn, as they can say goodbye to Texas A&M. You can be sure they will take pleasure in watching them get whooped more often than not. Edited by Sarah McCabe

Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman addresses the media during the big 12 Conference NCAA college football media days in Dallas. Texas A&M dealt a blow to the big 12 Conference on Wednesday, saying it plans to leave by July 2012 if it is accepted by the SeC or another league.

aSSoCiateD PreSS

tHirteen
The Pacific 10 is reported to be extending offers for membership to Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, oklahoma and oklahoma State in addition to already offering Colorado membership.

Mike Vernon

mvernon@kansan.com With the departure of Texas A&M, the Big 12 faces two options: either expand and keep the conference alive, or disband and send its remaining nine schools out into the abyss to try and find a new conference to latch on to. If the Big 12 were to expand, it wouldnt be going after the big fish (Nebraska, Colorado and A&M) that it recently lost. The first decision to be made would be how many teams the Big 12 should invite. When asked about the new conference schedule at the Big 12 media days, most of the coaches seemed to agree that they liked the opportunity to play everyone. Kansas Head Coach Turner Gill said it would be good for the fans to get to see every team every year and called it a plus for the conference. But in a sport that is all about generating revenue, the Big 12 will want to reclaim their conference championship game by expand-

Jun 9, 2010

later
on Thursday morning, Colorado officially joined the Pacific 10 conference. The next day Nebraska officially left the big 12 to join the big Ten. boise State becomes the Mountain Wests 10th program when it leaves the Western Athletic Conference.

MontHS
Jun 10, 2010 Jun 11, 2010

Jun 13, 2010

ing to 12 teams. Who would want to join such an unstable conference that has undergone so many changes in the past two years? Southern Methodist University has been making noise, openly campaigning for an invite to the Big 12. SMU used to be a part of the old Southwest Conference, of which four former members ended up joining the Big 12. In 1987 they became the only school to ever receive the death penalty in football by the NCAA when they were forced to cancel their season. SMU has spent its time wondering in the desert and now wants a chance to reclaim its former spot among the AQ conferences. SMU claims three national titles and hired former Atlanta Falcons and Hawaii coach June Jones after he took the Hawaii Warriors to the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Brigham Young University recently left the Mountain West Conference for all sports, becoming an independent in football and the West Coast Conference in all other sports. BYU is attractive to the Big

12 because they have finished the season in the Top 25 four times since the 2006 season. BYU also has a strong history of being competitive, claiming the 1984 national title and having NFL Hall of Famers Steve Young and Jim McMahon as alumni. The biggest doubt that surrounds BYU is whether they really would want to give up on the independent experiment after just one season. Houston is another former member of the southwest conference that could be on the radar of the Big 12. Houston has been more successful than SMU since joining Conference USA following the break-up of the SWC. They also bring the Houston television market, 10th largest in the nation, into the Big 12. At the same time, Texas is all about UT, so chances are, the viewers gained would not be as significant as expected. Texas Christian University ap-

See big 12 Page 8

The University of Texas announces it will remain in the big 12.

Jun 17. 2010

Spurned by Texas, the Pacific 10 conference offers membership to the University of Utah, which accepts.

Texas A&M is a proud member of the big 12 Conference and will continue to be affiliated with the conference in the future, school president R. bowen loftin said in a statement. The Western Athletic Conference loses two more members when Nevada and Fresno State both leave for the MWC. The Horned Frogs become the 17th member of the big east conference after leaving the Mountain West.

Jun 15, 2010

Nebraska freshmen get starting positions

Matt galloway
mgalloway@kansan.com Theyre both outside hitters. Theyre both from Nebraska. Theyre both freshmen. And theyre both starters on the Kansas volleyball team. Sara McClinton and Chelsea Albers may each be in their first season with the Jayhawks, but coach Ray Bechard is counting on both of them to contribute, and contribute early. McClinton started all three of the teams victories in the seasonopening Georgia Bulldog Invitational over the weekend, and Albers started both of the Saturday sweeps. Were going to put the best six out there, and sometimes thats a bit of a stretch for freshmen to do that, Bechard said. But we have a bunch of confidence in both of those young ladies. McClinton finished the weekend with 11 kills, including seven in the finale against Georgia. To secure her role as a starter for the seasons first three games, McClinton had to play catch-up with the upperclassmen who stayed over the summer. I knew we had a good opportunity to compete with some of the upperclassmen for the spots, but you cant come in and expect to start, McClinton said. You have to

volleybAll

Aug 18, 2010

brigham young Universitys football program goes independent while the rest of its athletics program joins the West Coast Conference.

Aug 31, 2010

Nov 29, 2010

McClinton

Albers

University of Texas president William Powers said Texas is firmly committed to the big 12 and that league officials knew Texas was pursuing a network deal.

Jan 19, 2011

Texas A&M president R. bowen loftin sends a letter to big 12 commissioner Dan beebe explaining that Texas A&M is considering leaving the big 12.

Aug 25, 2011

The Governors of Colorado and Utah deem June 30 Pac-12 Day as the Utah Utes and Colorado buffaloes become official members of Pac-12.

Jul 1, 2011

Texas A&M denies the Monday New york Times report that it notified the big 12 of its intention to leave the athletic conference.

Aug 30, 2011

The New york Times reports that President R. bowen loftin informed big 12 board Chairman brady Deaton that the Aggies will officially withdraw from the conference as early as Tuesday.

Aug 29, 2011

Texas A&M officially notifies the big 12 of its intention to withdraw from the conference.

Aug 31, 2011

work to achieve it. That was my goal, to come in and start, but I guess I wasnt expecting it so soon. Albers had an impressive first start on Saturday morning, recording six kills in the sweep against Liberty. She may have ensured her spot as a starter through a decorated high school career at Papillion LaVista, where she notched a stateleading 487 kills in 2009 was named the Omaha World-Heralds Girls 2010-11 Athlete of the Year her senior season. Starting so early is an unexpected perk for Albers, but it is one she said she plans on working hard to maintain. Both freshmen had to work hard just to avoid being redshirted by Bechard, who said the decision to sit and develop a player for a year is a difficult one. That is a tough call, Bechard said. You need to kind of get a sense for where you think their progress will be within the first month and if this is a kid that can help us by mid-

season. Sometimes a year of development, like in Caroline Jarmocs case, is a good move. Stepping in and immediately adapting to team chemistry is another challenge the two are facing. While the returning players built team chemistry over the summer by training in Italy, the freshmen were not permitted to tag along. Still, the upperclassmen have tried to make the Nebraska natives feel at home, Albers said. They have worked hard to include us and not make us feel like freshmen, Albers said. Speaking for myself, I feel like they treat us like volleyball players and not by our age. Since Bechard was hired as the coach of the volleyball team 14 years ago, he has had a player from Nebraska on his roster every season. Albers and McClinton first met as opponents in the states notoriously competitive high school volleyball circuit. They would later come to know each other better as teammates at the even more competitive club level. Growing up in Nebraska, I think it gave us a huge advantage, McClinton said. High school volley-

See Volleyball Page 8