April 4, 2011 - UMKC WordPress (info.umkc.edu)

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UNIVERSITY
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWS OF UMKC
April 4, 2011
Vol. 78, Issue 27
11
Graffiti Grill
brightens
Broadway
2 Debunking myths 9 Reviving ‘Cabaret’ 16 Player of the
about Kansas
City crime
week: Alex
Pena-Lopez
Photo by Sam Towns
NEWS
2
Vol. 78, Issue 27
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Photo Illustration by Nathan Zoschke
Facts, myths and student perceptions
Nathan Zoschke
Asst. Production Manager/Copy Editor
Crime can be a problem in most major cities,
and Kansas City is no exception.
In 2010, homicides occurred, on average, once
every three and a half days in Kansas City, Mo.,
and aggravated assaults averaged nearly 10 per
day.
But such numbers are not unusual for a city
the size of Kansas City, nor do they spell panic or
alarm.
Crime rates in Kansas City have actually gone
down over the past several decades, as they have
throughout the United States.
The U.S. crime rate is at its lowest level since
1973, but polls show Americans believe crime
has become worse.
In 2010, Gallup.com, a website of polls and
public opinion, found 66 percent of Americans
believed crime was increasing.
But exactly how violent is Kansas City?
“It’s just like any other big city,” Kansas City
Police Sergeant Darrin Snapp said.
Here’s a more detailed look at crime in Kansas
City:
Statistics can be misleading
Crime rates can be even more misleading,
especially in a city like Kansas City, Mo.
The 2010 Census showed Kansas City proper
having 460,000 residents, compared with 320,000
in St. Louis, Missouri’s second largest city.
But St. Louis only has 66 square miles.
Kansas City’s population is spread over more
than 300 square miles.
Crime, however, is not spread out.
Half of Kansas City’s land area and nearly onethird of its population are located north of the
Missouri River, yet only two of Kansas City’s 106
homicides in 2010 occurred north of the river.
In other words, the northland’s low crime rate
skews the city’s overall rate, which is substantially
higher in the urban core.
But there are also many disparities in crime
south of the river.
Some neighborhoods, such as Brookside and
the Country Club Plaza, had very low crime rates.
But other popular neighborhoods, like Westport and Southwest Boulevard, were marked as
aggravated assault hot spots on a map in the police
department’s Homicide Quarterly.
African-Americans are disproportionately
victimized by crime, especially homicide and aggravated assault.
Eighty of Kansas City’s 106 homicide victims
in 2010 were Black, yet African-Americans only
represent 30 percent of Kansas City’s population.
In contrast, Non-Hispanic Whites, who comprise 60 percent of Kansas City’s population, and
represented only 13 homicide victims.
Latinos represented 10 percent of Kansas
City’s population in 2010 and accounted for 12
homicide victims. One homicide victim was of
Asian descent.
A decrease in crime
To the surprise of some, crime in Kansas City
is on the decline.
Monthly crime summaries from the Board
of Police Commissioners show a steady drop in
crime in recent years.
Violent crimes decreased 14 percent from
2008 to 2010, and property crimes were down
seven percent.
Auto theft declined 37 percent, followed by
robbery, down 24 percent, and homicide and
non-negligent manslaughter, down 15 percent.
Rape, aggravated assault, non-aggravated assault and burglary were also down 10, nine, three
and eight percent, respectively.
However, stealing and arson were up one and
nine percent, respectively.
This contrasts with other metro cities, which
have seen increases in crime.
Growing up in the city
For some urban core residents, crime is an issue
that has affected their livelihoods. For others, it’s
something they see overblown in the media, an
outsider’s dystopian view of the inner city.
Freshman Kendall Herring said crime was
more noticeable when he moved to Kansas
City, Mo. after having lived in Grain Valley and
Grandview.
“We have a problem with our gangs,” Herring
said. “When I started going to city schools, there
were a lot of people representing the streets where
they’re from. There were a lot people taking pride
in the street that they lived on, and that caused a
lot of our crime.”
Herring, who lived near downtown, said he
never personally experienced crime, although it
was something he was aware of.
Gangs, he said, had a presence at Paseo High
School, where he graduated.
“It was a city school,” Herring said. “Did I know
kids in gangs? Personally, no, but I knew who they
She said it was dark after her night classes in
were. I tried to not follow that crowd.”
the winter, and that several girls in her class would
Herring said he expects violence in the city.
carpool to the residence halls.
“I feel like we are in the city, so there’s going
Lighting on the quad, she said, is poor, and
to be violence,” Herring said, “but I feel like Reierson, like many UMKC students, has taken
sometimes kids who aren’t from the city play it up. precautions.
Living here all my life, I’ve never been mugged or
“I carry pepper spray, but obviously that only
stabbed, and I’ve walked a lot of places. It happens does so much,” Reierson said. “I remember it
to people who get involved in the crime.”
would be night when I got out in my classes in the
At UMKC, Herring said, it is
frustrating when he sees students
from outside the city exaggerate January-November crime statistics
crime.
show decrease in Kansas City crime
“It kind of annoys me when
kids are like, ‘We’re next to Troost, Violent Crimes
we’re going to die,” Herring said. “It
2008
2009
2010
Change
makes people sound ignorant and
Homicide
115
100
98
-15%
it’s disrespectful to people who are
Rape 248
276
224
-10%
in the city. It makes people sound
Robbery
2,090
1,970
1.597
-24%
dumb when they say stuff like
Agg. Assault
3,816
3,957
3,472
-9%
‘We’re going to get shot walking
Non-agg. Assault 6,350
6,595
6,144
-3%
through the parking lot.’ It’s
Total
6,269 6,303 5,391 -14%
annoying. It’s more gang violence
than someone’s going to the back Property Crime
2008
2009
2010
Change
seat of their car to get something.
Burglary
7,467
7,231
6,902
-8%
It’s not like you’re going to get
Stealing
16,463 15,937 16,560 +1%
mugged. It’s more like you’ve being
Auto Theft
4,347
3,527
2,755
-37%
disrespectful to somebody and
Arson 299
297
326
+9%
they have a mutual feeling.”
Total
28,576 26,992 26,543 -7%
Crime and UMKC
UMKC’s urban location has
Combined Total 34,845 33,295 31,934 -8%
made campus safety a more
pressing issue than at other
Source: Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners
universities.
Note: December 2010 data was not available
Caitlyn Dunsford, a freshman
who grew up in northwest St. Louis
County, said crime was an issue she thought about
winter. I actually got a ride once from the campus
when visiting campus with her parents last year.
police when I was at the Miller Nichols library late
“We worried about it to an extent,” Dunsford
at night. I don’t hear about many people taking
said, “but when we went on our tour, they told us
advantage of that as a resource, which bothers
crime wasn’t a problem on campus.”
me.”
Dunsford said she feels safe on campus, but she
Students can contact the campus police by
notices a contrast when working at a daycare on
dialing 816-235-1515.
the Paseo.
Blue call boxes located throughout the campus
The difference in crime, she said, can be as little
allow students to contact an officer without
as one city block.
dialing.
“If you literally go a block east, the difference,
For more information on campus safety, check
in my opinion, is pretty catastrophic,” Dunsford
out www.umkc.edu/adminservices/police/.
said of the daycare.
[email protected]
Lori Reierson, who graduated from Shawnee
Mission North High School in Overland Park,
Kan., said crime is an issue she is more cautious
of on campus.
NEWS
April 4, 2011
3
Park it!
Your weekly update on the world of parking. This information comes directly from Parking Operations.
A new garage
for the future
Mark Linville
News Editor
Immediately after commencement ceremonies
in May, the current Oak Street parking structure
and lot will be demolished and construction for
the new Cherry Street parking structure will
begin.
Everything about parking on the Volker
Campus will change to accommodate the
construction in anticipation of structure’s opening
in August 2012.
Below are things you need to know in order to
utilize parking starting this summer.
Demolition will begin on May 16, 2011; this
means the Volker campus will lose over 700
spaces until the construction is complete.
The Cherry Street parking structure will a lot
1500 parking spaces, doubling the amount of
current spaces and then some.
In addition to traditional vehicles, the structure
allows for alternative fuel vehicle use, possessing
12 Alternative vehicle charging stations.
The new structure will feature two covered
walkways, one which will end at the sidewalk
near the Performing Arts Center, connecting
pedestrians to Bixby Lane. Another bridge will
lead pedestrians to the stairs (between Cherry
Street Office Building and Oak Street Residence
Hall) near University Way at the entrance to the
Student Union.
Secured bike storage and secured shower
facilities for those individuals will be located in
the new structure.
Adequate ADA compliant disability parking
will be available as well as three elevators for easier
use for wheelchair accessibility.
The structure will have three entrances; the
main entrance will be off of Oak Street, with other
entrances on Cherry and 50th Streets.
In addition to parking, the Offices for the
UMKC Police Department and Mail and
Addressing Services will relocate from the 4825
Troost Building the lower level of the Cherry
Street parking structure.
The structure will have surveillance with
security cameras on every level and every ramp.
Keep reading “Park It!” in future issues
for updates on parking pass prices and space
availability.
[email protected]
One of the planned pedestrian bridges for the Cherry Street Parking Structure, leading
to the Performing Arts Center. The other bridge will travel between the Cherry Street
Office Building and Oak Street Resident Hall to the Student Union.
The new Cherry Street Parking Structure will replace the current Oak Street Parking
Structure. Designed by construction firm JE Dunn, the project is rescheduled to be
completed in August 2012.
An aerial view of the new Cherry Street parking structure coming in August 2012. The
structure will have a total of 2,500 spaces, twice the number of the Oak Street Parking
Structure at 50th and Oak Streets.
The floor plan for the office space that will house the UMKC Police Department, UMKC
Mailing and Addressing Services and other amenities.
Rendering courtesy of Parking Operations
NEWS
4
Police Blotter
Mark Linville
News Editor
March 18
4:59 p.m.
Larceny
A person was arrested at the University
Center after stealing stickers from
a staff member’s license plate.
7:53 p.m. Suspicious Activity
A student reported an individual following
and staring at him in the Bloch School.
March 19
11:43 a.m.Illness
A staff member at the University
Center was taken to the hospital
after feeling dizzy and nauseous.
8:03 p.m. Injury
A resident of the Oak Place Apartments
was taken to the hospital by suitemates
after falling in the shower.
March 20
11:46 p.m.Illness
A resident of Johnson Residence
Hall was taken to the hospital after
having an irregular heartbeat.
Vol. 78, Issue 27
Briefly Mentioned
UMKC Professor ZhiQiang Chen works to prevent scour –
the number one cause of bridge collapse
Kasim Hardaway Asst. News Editor
In 2007, the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in
Minnesota collapsed, bringing national attention
to bridge safety.
UMKC Assistant Professor of the School
of Computing and Engineering’s (SCE)
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering,
ZhiQiang Chen, developed and proposed ways
to prevent further bridge collapse through the
elimination of foundation scour. Scour is the
removal of sediment by swiftly moving water.
Chen has received great recognition for his
research and findings. Chen has also received a
$25,900 grant from the University of Missouri
Research Board for “Design-oriented Scoured
Foundation Modeling for Bridge Performance
Analysis.”
The project will receive funding for a year and
will be initiated this summer.
Upon reviewing past structural collapses in the
U.S., it has been noted that foundation scour is the
leading cause of bridge collapse.
According to Chen, in Missouri alone, more
than 1,000 bridges are prone to bridge collapse
from foundation scour.
“The design, analysis and performance
evaluation methods for scoured bridges
significantly lag behind in our community,”
Chen said. “One of the reviewers of this proposal
actually commented that the proposed research is
very timely. The long-term goal, beyond this pilot
project, is to establish UMKC as a national center
focusing on scoured bridge system research.”
Modeling scoured bridge systems is a highly
demanding and rigorous project.
According to Public Relations, a crossdisciplinary computational approach involving
hydraulic, geotechnical and structural engineering
is required to complete such a project.
Chen will work with students on forming the
foundational bridge systems, and will also work
in partnership with hydraulic and geotechnical
engineers on field surveys and physical testing.
Chen joined UMKC in 2010.
Before coming to the university he worked
as a postdoctoral researcher and conducted
research in soil-structure system modeling and
identification.
In 2009, Chen received a Ph.D. in Structural
Engineering from the University of California,
San Diego. He also completed his dissertation at
the University of California titled, “Identifying
Structural Damage from Image.”
Chen’s engineering focus lies in structural
systems performance, performance-based
design and earthquake engineering and civil
infrastructure condition and disaster assessment
through imaging and visual computing.
[email protected]
Google Fiber comes to
March 21
4:08 p.m.
Illness
A student was taken to the hospital after having
a panic attack in the University Center.
March 22
3:33 p.m.
Larceny
A faculty member left her purse and several
other items unattended in the Student Union.
March 24
1:10 p.m.
Illness
A resident of the Oak Street Residence
Hall was taken to the hospital after
getting upset and gasping for air.
March 28
Noon
Property Damage
Officers discovered two university
vehicles with flat tires in the old
maintenance building parking lot.
1:39 p.m. Illness
A staff member of Miller Nichols Library was
taken to the hospital after choking on food.
4:10 p.m. Suspicious Party
Members of a religious group were reportedly
bothering students at Miller Nichols Library.
March 31
1:40 p.m.
Chemical Spill
A container of carbon dioxide could not
be closed after experimental use.
[email protected]
Kansas (that is)
Nathan Zoschke
In 1997, the city of Kansas City, Kan.(KCK)
was on the verge of collapse. The smaller twin of
Kansas City, Mo., had suffered from population
decline and the closing of several major industries,
leaving the city cash-strapped.
But in 1997, things started to change.
The county and city governments merged and
formed the Unified Government of Wyandotte
County, streamlining bureaucracy and cutting
costs.
The NASCAR Kansas Speedway race track
was built, and massive tax breaks were given to
create the Village West development on the city’s
western fringe.
Soon after, KCK averaged 10 million visitors
per year, and 6,000 jobs were created by Village
West.
Income started pouring in, but the city’s
problems didn’t disappear.
In 2000, KCK had the lowest per capita income
of any metro city, two-thirds that of Kansas
City, Mo., and half that of neighboring Johnson
County, Kan.
And, apart from Cerner’s proposed
development near Village West, few high-paying
jobs have been created in KCK.
Most of the new jobs have been low-paying
service sector jobs, although that may soon
change.
Last week, Google announced KCK as the
test site for its Google Fiber high-speed Internet
service, which is roughly 100 times faster than
conventional broadband.
KCK was chosen from a list of more than 1,000
cities, which also included neighboring Kansas
City, Mo. and Overland Park, Kan.
The selection, however, has been attributed to
the Unified Government’s consolidated control of
the city and county’s utilities, which will ease the
implementation of Google’s fiber-optic network.
The Unified Government voted unanimously
to allow Google to move forward with the project,
of which cost estimates run upwards of $100
million.
Construction will begin in 2012 and will
continue throughout the next decade.
KCK public schools will have free access
to Google Fiber, and local businesses and
homeowners will be given competitive pricing
options.
The economic implications of the decision
are tremendous. KCK Mayor Joe Reardon has
referred to Google’s decision as a “game changer.”
[email protected]
NEWS
April 4, 2011
5
Student Organization Profile:
Panhellenic Council
Financial Corner
Executive Board members of National Panhellenic Council.
Photo courtesy of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs
Benjamin Campero
Contributing Writer
The UMKC Fraternity and Sorority Affairs,
a part of the Office of Student Involvment, has
a total of 16 Fraternities and Sororities that fall
into three governing councils.
One council in particular, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), or Panhellenic, is
comprised of four sororities; Alpha Delta Pi,
Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, and Alpha Sigma Alpha.
The Panhellenic sororities at UMKC
offer leadership opportunities, service to the
community and a great college experience to
their members and students.
“Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in
harmony with its best possibilities, is the deal
that shall guide our fraternity activities” is the
Panhellenic Creed, which defines many of the
organization’s standards, objectives and goals.
Scholarship, leadership, community service
and sisterhood are the four pillars in which each
chaptere of NPC were founded on.
Each of the Panhellenic Chapters has its
own scholarship opportunities and GPA
requirements to be an active member.
They help their members focus on school
and maintain a good academic standing.
The average GPA of all sororities in fall 2010
was 3.262, compared with the 3.135 average of
all undergraduate female students at UMKC.
Sisterhood is another important element for
members of the Panhellenic chapters, and each
of its chapters seek to develop among members.
As lifelong sorority sisters, members create
lasting memories and friendships within the
Panhellenic community.
Panhellenic chapters have a strong emphasis
on community service.
Chi Omega has a philanthropy event called
“Walking for a Wish,” which benefits the
national Make a Wish Foundation.
Big Man on Campus is a male beauty
pageant held by Delta Zeta that benefits the
Children’s Mercy’s Speech & Hearing Division.
Being a member of a Panhellenic chapter
gives support and inspiration to members to
enroll in other Campus Leadership Activities.
“The biggest thing about being Greek and
being part of a Panhellenic Sorority is that
it helps you know people on campus,” said
Chi Omega chapter president and 2011 Miss
UMKC Lydia DeGarmo. “It’s hard to know
people and by being part of the Panhellenic
sororities you meet people, get more
connections and it gives you things to do like
community service and leadership activities,
which helps you enroll on campus, besides just
going home after school.”
If you are interested in getting involved
in Panhellenic and having a great college
experience, a formal recruitment takes place
every year in August.
Interested people will have the opportunity
of meeting each of the four Panhellenic
Chapters.
During this process, there are several
events that help students learn more about
Panhellenic such as the Panhellenic Fashion
Show, Panhellenic Orientation, Open House/
Philanthropy Round, Sisterhood Showcase
Round, the Preference Day and the Bid Night.
For more information, please visit www.
npcwomen.org/ or www.umkc.edu/getinvolved/
panhellenic/Welcome.html.
[email protected]
Other News
Former head of Kansas City University of Medicine and
Biosciences charged with stealing $1.5 million
Kasim Hardaway Asst.News Editor
On Thursday April 31, former president and
CEO Karen Pletz of the Kansas City University
of Medicine and Biosciences (KCUMB) was
charged with a 24-count indictment against the
university.
According to “NBC Actions News,” Pletz has
garnered over $1.5 million from the university
during her employment.
Sources say this was done through
“unauthorized compensation payments as
well as reimbursements from the university for
personal expenses and fraudulent charitable
contributions. She is also accused of tax
violations and money laundering.”
U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips explained the
24-count indictment.
It includes four counts of money laundering
($1.4 million in pay fraud, $50,000 in travel
fraud and $65,000 in charity fraud).
Pletz was also charged with 16 counts of theft
from the university, one count of attempting to
obstruct the administration of internal revenue,
and three counts of providing false information
on tax returns.
“Pletz did not make these charitable
donations, in fact the university made the
charitable donations. Pletz then submitted
fraudulent statements to the university, and
received a reimbursement of $65,000 dollars for
the donations that she did not actually make,”
Phillips said.
A lawsuit was filed by the university for the
supposed allegations.
The KCUMB Board of Trustees voted
unanimously for the termination of Pletz in
December 2009 after allegations of incorrect
self-compensation surfaced.
“The grand jury’s charges handed down
today speak for themselves in describing a
sophisticated pattern of alleged deception and
misconduct on the part of Karen Pletz,” said
KCUMB council member, and partner with the
Berkowitz Oliver firm, Jeff Morris.
A counter-suit was filed by Pletz against
the university, which she claims wrongfully
terminated her, and that the accusations
presented against her were blown out of
proportion.
“KCUMB has cooperated fully with the
government’s investigation,” Morris said. “The
University has made available evidence that
caused the University’s termination of Ms. Pletz
in 2009, along with evidence uncovered during
the civil lawsuits that followed that termination.”
Attorney Brandon J.B. Boulware of Rouse
Hendricks German May, representative of Pletz,
had the following to say this past Thursday:
“With today’s indictment, the federal
government has injected itself into the civil
litigation dispute between KCUMB and its
former President, Karen Pletz. All of the issues
raised in the indictment are also the subject of
the ongoing IRS audit of KCUMB and its board
of trustees as well as the civil lawsuit, which
after filing one year ago KCUMB has done
everything in its power to avoid litigating.”
“It is unfortunate, in our view, that local
federal prosecutors would choose to spend
public resources on a case like this when there
are other, legitimate processes already at work to
resolve the issues in dispute. Ms. Pletz denies and
will fight the government’s charges, and pleads
not guilty to any federal crimes,” Boulware said.
Pletz has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
[email protected]
Each week, the Students in the Free Enterprise
(SIFE) Team from the Henry W. Bloch School of
Management, with assistance from a group
of respected business people, will answer your
financial questions.
With tax season upon us, what
are some common mistakes
made when filing taxes?
Many common mistakes are made when filing
taxes that can cause unnecessary stress and lead to
issues with receiving your tax refund.
We will address a few of the most common
mistakes in this week.
Often the most common mistake people
make when filing taxes is filing after the
deadline.
The deadline for filing taxes is usually April
15. If this day falls on a weekend or a government
holiday, it will be the next business day. This year the
deadline is April 18.
By not filing your taxes on time, you can quickly
accrue penalty and interest on top of your taxes. If
you do not file, you will not receive a refund.
1.
2.
Two other common mistakes when filing
taxes deal with mathematical errors and
incorrect or missing information.
Even with the many computer programs that
help people prepare their taxes, math mistakes
are still common due to not carefully checking
information and correct numbers.
Also making sure to completely fill out all forms is
very important. Make sure you sign your tax return
and if you file jointly, both signatures are required.
By not correctly filing your social security
number or account and routing numbers (for the
direct deposit option of your refund amount into
your bank account), you can cause significant
delays and, depending on the situation, you could
even forfeit your refund.
Missing information can also keep you from
receiving extra money back.
That is why it is very important to make sure you
take advantage of all possible deductions.
3.
The last common mistake is filing under
the wrong status. While this process is
fairly straightforward making sure to
correctly file your status is important.
Based upon how you file your status helps to
determine certain deductions that you are eligible
for.
While filing taxes may seem overbearing, there
are many resources to help you through this process.
There are computer programs (such as Turbo
Tax) and businesses (such as H&R Block) that can
help you through this stressful time of year.
The IRS also offers free assistance in Taxpayer
Assistance Offices (TAC) in Kansas City and
around the country for those making less than
$49,000. For more information, visit www.irs.gov.
E-mail your questions to the Student in Free
Enterprise Team at [email protected].
6
NEWS
Campus History
Vol. 78, Issue 27
How UKC became UMKC
Jacquelyn Hoermann Staff Writer
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has a
deep history dating back over 78 years.
The subject of how UMKC became the
university it is today may be the most crucial.
“Unfortunately, it’s not a tale that is easily
told… or quickly told,” said UMKC Senior
Archive Specialist Tonya Crawford.
UMKC has not always been UMKC.
The University was first chartered in 1929
and in 1933 the first 265 students enrolled at the
University of Kansas City (UKC).
UKC was a private, co-ed institution sitting on
the same campus as present-day UMKC.
But thirty years after the first students
enrolled, UKC changed.
UKC merged with the University of Missouri
(MU) and became a public institution.
The name of the University of Kansas City was
officially changed to the University of Missouri
Kansas City on July 25, 1963.
Why did UKC drop its independent status to
become an affiliate of MU?
The history of this change is full of conflicting
answers. According to a feature in The 1964 Kangaroo,
the university’s yearbook, UKC had several
reasons for making the change.
First, “limited available financial resources”
were cited.
At that point, UKC had not received a financial
endowment from any donors or contributing
organization. After three decades in operation, the university
required an endowment or additional financial
assistance to cover “spiraling costs.”
Future development and the improvement
of various programs of study would require
additional financial assistance that was
unavailable. Second, merging with MU would provide
lower tuition rates. Private education tuition costs were kept as low
as possible during UKC’s existence, but even this
rate was too high for the “thousands of eligible
students in the community who could not afford
to go elsewhere.”
The university’s history page, www.umkc.edu/
history, adds the merger with MU did increase
enrollment rates by almost 50 percent. Third, the state of Missouri was faced with
flooding enrollment rates at the collegiate level. The state was interested in expanding postsecondary educational opportunities. UKC’s acceptance of the merger would entitle
the University to financial support from state
taxes. UKC struggled financially, but it did consider
all available options.
For instance, UKC administrators discussed a
merger with a local community college.
A Jan. 30, 1962 article in The Kansas City
Star, says the community college merger was “a
previously unpublicized plan to affiliate the Junior
college with the University of Kansas City.”
Negotiations were in process with the
unidentified junior college, but the Star also
discussed the MU merger.
The same article said the MU merger was
favored by the community. In a March 6, 1963 issue of the U-News, editor
Bill Isenhour said the UKC Board of Trustees
announced the plans to merge. “Missouri Governor John Dalton delivered a
special message to a joint meeting of the Senate
and House, urging them to appropriate the
$7,100,000 necessary for the completion of the
merger,” Isenhour said.
Isenhour claims if UKC had not accepted the
merger, the state would have established another
branch of the University of Missouri in the Kansas
City area. “[Rejecting the current offer] would have
virtually killed the chances of the University
receiving favorable consideration later,” he said.
That same year the University of Missouri-St.
Louis joined the UM System as a new university. In 1964, the University of Missouri School
of Mines and Metallurgy also joined the UM
System, and was renamed the University of
Missouri-Rolla.
In an article written for the Star on May 22,
1968, the Education Editor Patricia Jansen Doyle
said UMKC is the “frustrated middle child,
standing part way in development between the
fledgling undergraduate campus in St. Louis and
the mature, diversified campus in Columbia.”
One can only imagine how different UMKC
would be today if the UKC of the early 1960s had
not accepted the merger proposal.
[email protected]
Above: Rendering of the new
male dormitory, later Cherry
Street Resident Hall in 1956. The
building is now being converted
to offices for the College of Arts
and Sciences and Department of
Psychology and Social Work.
Left: The 1957 cheer squad with
the UKC kangaroo.
Below: The first Student Union
was originally a military building
shipped from the Lake City
Ordinance Plant at Lake Chowder
near Neosho, Mo. The Student
Union was one of five buildings
shipped from the plant.
Left: A map of the UKC William Volker campus in the 1950s, prior to the transition to
the University of Missouri system. Note the absence of buildings west of Cherry Street.
Photos courtesy University News
NEWS
April 4, 2011
Campus Fact:
Kasim Hardaway
Asst. News Editor
UMKC Summer Session
Many collegiate academic years are
limited to a fall and spring semester.
However, UMKC offers a summer
session in order for students to get
ahead, get caught up or stay on track
in their studies.
Within the summer session there
is an assortment of classes and times
which allows for all students to find
a appropriate schedule that fits in
their summer plans. UMKC hosts
five different sessions throughout the
summer: two five-week sessions, two
four-week sessions, and one eightweek session.
The dates of these sessions are as
follows:
• First 5-week session: May 23 – June 26
•
•
•
•
Second 5-week session: June 27 – July 29
First 4-week session: June 6 – July 1
Second 4-week session: July 5 – July 29
8-week session: June 6 – July 29
According to the summer session
website, in-state tuition will be available for the summer. Undergraduate
and graduate students from these
Kansas counties can receive in-state
tuition rates: Atchison, Douglas,
Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson,
Leavenworth, Miami, Osage, Shawnee and Wyandotte.
To find out specific details in regards to the summer session or what
classes you should register contact an
advisor at 816-235-1111.
Visit www.umkc.edu/summer-session/ to browse the course catalog,
register for classes, check your financial aid status for the summer session
status and buy your books.
[email protected]
7
Find us on Facebook!
Now hiring
for fall 2011 semester
Semester-long positions:
Production Manager
Looking for individuals with an interest in graphic design. Must be thick-skinned,
free on the weekends and know how to use Adobe inDesign and Photoshop.
Production Assistant
Looking for individuals with an interest in graphic design. Must be thick-skinned,
free on the weekends, know how to use Adobe inDesign and Photoshop, be able
to take direction, and edit photos.
Copy Editor
Looking for someone who has experience with AP style, and has exceptional
spelling and grammar. Must be detail-oriented.
News Editor
Looking for individuals who are in the know. Someone who is not scared to
present hard facts and current, relevant news.
Assistant News Editor
Looking for individuals who have a knack for news, can take direction, and are not
scared to present hard facts and current, relevant news.
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Looking for individuals who love art, music, film and anything else cool about
UMKC and the Kansas City area.
Sports Editor
Looking for someone who loves UMKC and community sports and is well-versed
in sports terminology.
Forum Editor
Looking for an individual who is open and accepting of other people’s opinions.
These positions require knowledge of AP style and Sunday availability. A
résumé and letter of intent for any of these positions is due by April 23. Please
email [email protected]
All positions are paid.
A&E
April 4, 2011
Life is a...
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
9
CABARET
Kate Lawler Production Manager
Above: Master of ceremonies, played by Brian Sills
at the Kit Kat Club.
Bottom right: Sally Bowles played by Kara Lindsay.
Photos courtesy KC Rep
The KC Rep’s latest production,
“Cabaret,” opened to a packed house
on March 25. The musical explores late
1920s, early 1930s Berlin at the height of
entertainment culture during the pit of
economic strife.
While the setting acts as a character in
and of itself, it also revolves around the
relationship between an American novelist
searching for inspiration and a British
import wayward performer, whose free
spirit throws the audience for a loop.
Main character novelist Clifford
Bradshaw, played by Claybourne Elder,
seems unsure of himself but slowly gains
understanding throughout the musical.
While struggling with his sexual identity,
Bradshaw meets Sally Bowles, a British
import bouncing and performing from
place to place played by Kara Lindsay.
Bradshaw quickly develops a bond with
Bowles superseding sexual identity labels
and friendship.
Several subplots emerge throughout
the first act including another romance
between a landlord and her gentleman
friend.
Fraulein Schneider, played by Hollis
Resnik, is a lonely landlady intent on
making her own way in Berlin’s struggling
economy. Though the strong-willed
Schneider seems immune to love, Herr
Schultz, played by Gary Neal Johnson
makes his way into her heart through exotic
gifts of a fruit nature.
Though the musical is peppered
with comedic relief, it is the relationship
between Schneider and Schultz that
were sure to bring laughter during the
performance. Their romance is depicted
through songs like “It Couldn’t Please Me
More,” which sprouted from Schultz’ latest
gift, a pineapple.
Lightness takes a sharp turn at the
end of the first act when the reality of
Germany’s political climate came into play.
In bold contrast to the economy, the Berlin
entertainment scene was skyrocketing with
clubs like the Kit Kat Club, depicted in the
musical.
However, when Adolf Hitler came into
power, creative and controversial venues
like the Kit Kat Club were purged from
society and the sorrow that was the World
War II Holocaust ensued.
“Cabaret” has a long history in the
performing arts community.
Based off the novel of the same name
written by Joe Masteroff and adapted from
a number of similar productions, “Cabaret”
is a staple in the world of musicals.
The songs were written by John Kander,
a Kansas City native, and Fred Ebb. Ebb and
Kander were the longest running playwrite
and songwriting team working together for
50 years. They won numerous Tony, Emmy
and Grammy awards and co-wrote hits
such as“Chicago,” “New York, New York”
and “The Scottsboro Boys.”
Cabaret also made its debut on the silver
screen in 1972, starring Liza Minnelli and
Bob Fosse. Kander and Ebb wrote new
songs for the film, abandoning some of the
other songs from the stage production.
The KC Rep brings a unique spin to the
successful play incorporating a unique 360
degree, rotating theater-in-the-round stage.
In addition there is alternative seating,
giving those who chose, the opportunity
to become part of the production, sitting
on stage for a different perspective of the
performance.
The first act started out with a bang,
between the set and strong vocals,
especially from Lindsay and Resnik. The
audience were captivated. The middle of
the first act lagged despite the bright lights
and rotating stage but picked up the pace
ending in a cliffhanger.
In addition to the musical, the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art is presenting an
exhibition on April 3 at 2 p.m. called
“Declaring War on Art: Hitler, the Cabaret
and Degenerate Art.” Jan Schall Ph.D. and
curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
at the Nelson-Atkins will present “Berlin
Cabaret and Life between the Wars” at the
Spencer Theatre on April 2 after the 2 p.m.
performance.
Cabaret runs through Sunday April 10
at the Spencer Theatre. On stage seating is
between $30 and $70 and regular house
seats are $10 for students and $20 to $60
for non-students.
[email protected]
A&E
10
Vol. 78, Issue 27
Bright lights with Bright Eyes
Sarah Ashlock
A&E Editor
On Saturday, April 2, the beloved indie band
Bright Eyes sang their way into KC hearts at the
Uptown Theater.
I’ve been a Bright Eyes fan for eight years. I
remember riding the bus on the way to a debate
tournament sophomore year of high school and
listening to “Haligh, Haligh, a Lie, Haligh” on serious repeat.
Most Bright Eyes followers would agree the
band has gone through a transformation from
a fragility and simplicity in lead singer Conor
Oberst’s voice to a more complex and polished
sound.
In 2000, “Fevers and Mirrors,” the album that
hooked me, was rough around the edges—in a
good way. Oberst had a desperate sound which
helped create angsty teenage fans.
Eleven years later, Bright Eyes has released
“People’s Key” on Feb. 15 after a three-year hiatus, where Oberst pursued other projects such as
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band.
After such devoted listening, I had no idea
what to expect of their live performance. Part
of me wanted it to be the old Bright Eyes way. I
wanted Oberst to stand with his acoustic guitar
at the front of a barren stage, scream with a cracking voice “We must take all of / the medicines too
expensive now to sell / Set fire to the preacher
who is promising us hell / Into the ear of every
anarchist that sleeps but doesn't dream / We must
sing, we must sing, we must sing” and make the
whole crowd sullen.
There were a few moments like this. When
he sang “Lua,” one of my favorites, it felt like the
Conor we always knew and loved. He has the distinct ability to connect with the listener in a way
very few live performers can perfect. There were
beautiful moments when it felt as though he was
singing directly to me, when the rest of the crowd
faded and only his creative genius was left.
Certainly, though, it was different than old
school fans would’ve expected. The majority of
the songs, no matter how somber they were on
the albums, had an upbeat intensity that created
unexpected high energy.
In addition to the fast-paced spirit, they visually
heightened your senses as well. Various colored
lights bounced off two petal-shaped structures
and the background was a Technicolor fantasy.
Various images would flash on the screen behind
the band, the coolest being when live video of the
members would play whilst being artistically and
digitally altered in some fashion.
Besides the greatness that is Oberst, I was
blown away by the talent of the other members—
especially the skillfully played electric guitar.
Word Up
Kasim Hardaway
Asst. News Editor
A season to rejoice
The world tilts closer to its radiant mother
who provides an affectionate embrace. Its surface warms, bringing forth a more temperate
and enjoyable time of year.
A time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth.
Nature has transitioned from its callous cycle to a new and effervescent period.
Dull neutral monochromes start to dwindle
away as they are replaced with shades of vibrant
colors that express a sense of joy and happiness.
The air is no longer pungent and dry; it has
become smooth and has developed a refreshing
taste. No matter how refreshing it has started to
become, you can never get your fill, it leaves you
craving for more.
It’s not too hot and not too cold,
not too wet and not too dry,
The temperature is ideal,
An ideal shared by all of the inhabitants of
the world.
Flowers start to blossom and show their
vivid petals. Untamed by the harsh frost, these
flowers are limitless to the beauty they can
showcase to the world.
People and animals alike feel a new time
approaching, a time to be merry and in high
spirits.
Animals quickly emerge from the bitter winter forests to express their gaiety.
As the sun rises, flocks of birds rejoice in
song as family of wild deer gallop through open
plains.
Above them in the bright open sky, large gray
masses materialize with force and pour down
upon the earth along with strikes of light and
clashes of sound.
The bodies of water below began to warm
and call the inhabitants of the world to play
with them in such a temperate season.
The earth wants to flourish with peace and
love once again.
Springtime is here.
Now, let’s welcome it with open arms.
It won’t stay for long, so grasp on to nature’s
arm and take the stunning season while it last,
because…
Springtime is here.
Now, let’s welcome it with open arms.
[email protected]
Do you have creative writing under 500 words? Submit yours to A&E Editor Sarah Ashlock
at [email protected] and your work could be featured in “Word Up.”
Despite the rock-star
atmosphere, it was still apparent we were witnessing
the Saddle Creek Records’
band.
This was especially
evident when Oberst expressed his political views.
After the Arizona Immigration Law was passed, Oberst
along with other artists refused to play in Ariz. due to
the policy.
Before playing an energized “Old Soul Song (For
the New World Order),” he
exclaimed his views of Kris
Kobach who wrote the controversial Arizona Immigration Law:
“KrisKobach…we’re coming for you motherf***er.” It
was refreshing to see an art- Mike Mogis, Conor Oberst and Nate Walcott of Bright Eyes.
ist unashamed of his beliefs
Photo courtesy Google Images
and he helped create a more
Either way, he is a lyrical magician and will always
personable connection with listeners.
I can’t help but say that I miss the miserable explain emotional and social issues a little bit unConor who always touched my angsty soul, but like and more ingeniously than most.
[email protected]
a mature and developed sounding Conor loved.
A&E
April 4, 2011
11
Grab a bite at Graffiti Grill
Sam Towns
Staff Writer
The outside world is dirty. Streets are littered with garbage,
drunkards are stumbling along the city sidewalks and graffiti
is rearing its ugly head on every building. Sound appetizing?
Well, it is appetizing.
Graffiti Grill, which hosted its grand opening April 1, is a
fabulous new restaurant located at 3535 Broadway in Kansas
City, Mo., just north of Chubby’s. This restaurant has taken
the misunderstood urban art scene and thrown it up all over.
Almost every wall within Graffiti Grill brandishes a unique
creation sprayed by local graffiti artists. Among the KC street
artists who contributed are Aaron Sutton, Collin Currier and
John Hulsey. Even the sign that points towards the restroom
was created with spray paint cans. Hulsey’s giant parrot
graphic leads guests to the bathroom with its giant wing
stretched towards sweet, sweet release.
The lunch menu at Graffiti Grill mostly consists of
American food: burgers, hotdogs and fries. But after 5 p.m.,
the restaurant begins its dinner menu, which includes a
delicious salmon dish and even a scrumptious steak special.
Among the other delicacies offered are a queenie vegetinni,
which is a vegetarian’s delight, consisting of cappelini tossed
with olive oil, tomatoes, basil, fresh garlic and feta cheese; a
chicken sabotaz, which is a pan seared chicken breast covered
in red onion, red pepper, and a white wine, lemon garlic sauce
and topped with provolone cheese; and a cappelini piccati,
which is a mouth-watering angel hair pasta tangled with
artichoke hearts, mushrooms, chicken and broccoli, served in
a creamy alfredo sauce.
Top: Outside view of Graffiti Grill.
Bottom: Inside view of Graffiti Grill.
The Grill’s owners, Shane and Stephanie Kesterson, former
owners and operators of Castaways Marina and Grill up on
Smithville Lake, also have plans to host musical acts with a $5
cover throughout the week beginning with their first hosted
show, which is a band called The Shanks, on April 1 and 2.
On April 8 and 9 they’re hosing Eric Wimberly, the 15th and
16th, Garry Lincoln with Micah Burdick, the 22nd and 23rd,
the Harvey’s and the 29th and 30th is blues player Billy Beale.
On their website, www.graffitigrillkc.com, they state, “good
music only enhances the experience.”
Their happy hour specials are from 4-7p.m., Monday
through Friday.
Monday’s special has been dubbed Martini Mondays
where every Monday you can enjoy $2 off all martinis.
Turbo Tuesdays follow the very next day where vodka/
energy drinks are going for only $4.
Wednesdays have been renamed Well Wednesdays where
in the dead center of your work week you can enjoy $3 well
drinks from the 4 -7 p.m.
Thirsty Thursdays are just around the corner, though,
where you can take advantage of $2 Domestics and $3 import
bottles.
Don’t forget that Fab Friday’s just a day away where all draft
beers are $1 off!
Psycho Saturday is a fantastic way to kick start your
Saturday night plans with $6 Domestic Pitchers and a bloody
mary bar from 11 a.m. to 5pm.
Graffiti Grill is fine dining at its finest. Have a burger, enjoy
some artwork and leave full, educated and satisfied.
[email protected]
Photos by Sam Towns
Making Movies and Pop Pistol
own the night
Samuel Towns
Staff Writer
On occasion, I’ll find myself in a bar, chatting
up with a pretty lady. And if I like her, I’ll phase
out the live music playing in the background and
focus my attention on her.
However, if I become uninterested, I’ll shift my
focus more toward the band on stage.
But on March 25, my attention never drifted
from the recordBar’s stage.
The opening band was an ethereal sounding
three piece called Pop Pistol.
Many of Pop Pistols’ tracks begin as calming
waves of echoic sounds that slowly transition into
heavier, guitar-driven madness accompanied by
precise drum work.
One of the more potent tracks, titled “Mitote,”
features the lyrics, “I see through you; Hallelujah,”
and offers up that same kind of segway from a
more spacey guitar to a heavier rock-driven sound.
As “Mitote” reached its peak energy, the lead
singer, known only as Pop Pistol, began jumping
about on stage, wildly flailing his guitar, but with
effortless control. The empty space that once
tinged with calm, subtly charged, guitar riffs now
took on a new, more exuberant life.
Pop Pistol stood, tip-toed with no shoes on,
surrounded by guitar cords and amp boxes. He
almost looked affected by the eerie red light that
washed over him. It seemed to cast a spell that
overtook his control. Whatever power took him
over was certainly a force to be reckoned with.
The headliner, a popular local act called
Making Movies, held every ounce of the KC
crowd’s attention. Members include Enrique Chi
on guitar and lead vox, Brendan Culp on drums,
Nic Kolar on bass and Juan-Carlos Chaurand on
percussion and keyboard. They have found great
success, recently appearing on the cover of Star
Magazine, attending the Latin Grammy Awards
and even featured on AOL Música.
They played a dynamic set with an enthusiastic,
pumped up energy that left the audience awash in
rapturous bliss.
One thing was clear- Making Movies has a
cult-like following, with quite a college-aged
following committed to seeing their KC sets.
It is no surprise, considering the band’s zealous
dedication to touring and making
personal connections with fans.
For one of their songs, Making
Movies played a cover of Bob
Marley’s classic “Is This Love.”
The lead singer, Enrique Chi, gave
Marley’s tune a twist by singing it in
a totally different style. It still retained
the same mood as the original, and it
set everyone in the bar dancing.
Many of Making Movies’ songs
Photo courtesy Making Movies
Making Movies.
shift between Spanish and English
lyrics, reflecting the band’s bicultural
guitar strumming. “Tormenta” has some lovely
heritage.
moments that flawlessly fade into a breakdown
For one of song, “Libertad,” Chi chants the that builds up again.
Spanish word for freedom (libertad) over and
Both “Worry for Me” and “Tormenta” come
over in rhythm to each kick of the bass drum. The from their album titled “In Deo Speramus,”
repetition of the word acts like a rallying cry and which is available for free download at www.
with Chi’s arm in the air, pumping up and down, makingmoviesband.com.
the entire crowd chants along with the band,
[email protected]
“libertad!”
Other notable tracks they played that night
include “Worry for Me,” which opens with a
sick bass guitar from Kolar that leads into heavy
A&E
12
Professor Profile:
Xanath
Caraza de Holland
Benjamin Campero Contributing Writer
Learning a second language may be
easy and enjoyable for some, but it can
be hard, frustrating and disappointing
for others. Learning a language
requires time, patience and effort,
but the rewards of learning a second
language are priceless.
Professor Xánath Caraza de Holland
teaches Spanish II and Intermediate
Conversation and Composition II at
UMKC.
Originally from Xalapa Veracruz,
Mexico, Professor Caraza came to
UMKC in 2002 to get her Master’s in
Romance Languages. After graduating, she started teaching assistant, later
became a professor.
“I love and enjoy teaching,” Caraza
said. “I like to help people discover
the Latino culture through language.
Becoming proficient in a second
language is like living in two worlds;
you’re in two languages all the time.”
“Learn as many languages as you
can and enjoy the process of learning,”
Caraza suggests. “Learning a second
language will open the world and give
you many opportunities in many ways,
personally and professionally. ”
Besides teaching, Professor Caraza
expresses her passion for literature and
the Spanish language through poetry,
short stories and fiction.
Her works have been published in
important magazines, blogs and newspapers like www.circulodepoesia.com, a
literature site in Mexico.
Her work has also been published
in Pegaso, a journal of the University of
Oklahoma, in its 2009 and 2010 annual editions. She has published work in
Pilgrimage Magazine, Quercus Review,
La Bloga and Utah Foreign Language
Review, among others.
Among some of her works one can
find: “Woman’s Work: The Short Stories” (Gril child press, 2010), “Cuentos
del Centro: Stories from the Latino
Heartland” (Scapegoat Press, 2009),
“Primera Página: Poetry from the
Latino Heartland” (Scapegoat Press,
2008) and “Más Allá de las Fronteras”
(Ediciones Nuevo Espacio, 2004).
She is a member of several Spanish
language organizations, including Latino Writers Collective, American Literary Translators Association (ALTA),
Writers Place and Con Tinta among
Photo by Benjamin Campero
others.
Caraza said an important part of her
job is to “Promote Latino culture and
Latino writers.”
“We Latinos create art, books, literature, theater and film industry,” she
added.
Students like Sydney Llewellyn,
a communication studies and Spanish double major, enjoy how Caraza
shares the Latino culture and encourages students to learn more about it.
“Señora Caraza does a great job of
making her students aware of the exciting Latino events in Kansas City,”
Llewellyn said. “For example, Professor Caraza once invited us to a Spanish
poetry reading where she was reading
her own poetry. In her classes we not
only learn Spanish as a language, but
we also acquire cultural knowledge.”
Her knowledge, experience, involvement and passion for the Latino
culture and the Spanish language inspire her students to enjoy learning a
second language.
Caraza motivates students to immerse themselves into the Latino culture, helps them get a better perspective of Spanish language and Latino
culture and makes learning a second
language interesting, enjoyable and
challenging.
[email protected]
Vol. 78, Issue 27
A&E
April 4, 2011
13
2011 Kansas City Film Fest preview
Stephanie Hughes
Contributing Writer
And ACTION! This week, April 6-10, the
Kansas City Filmmaker’s Jubilee is rolling out the
red carpet to present its annual Kansas City Film
Fest.
For five days, more than 135 films will be
screened across four theatres, while a lengthy list
of visiting and local artists will converge on KC
to participate in workshops, panels, parties and
screenings.
At the end of the fest, some very hard working,
up-and-coming filmmakers will walk away with
not only bragging rights but cash prizes, too.
UMKC has had a long history with the KC
Film Fest since its inception in 1997.
When Jubilee founder Fred Andrews noticed
Kansas City’s burgeoning community of avid
filmmakers, he enlisted the help of UMKC,
along with the Kansas City Art Institute, the Film
Society of Kansas City and the Independent
Film Coalition to create a festival that would
be playfully competitive, entertaining and
educational for these passionate filmmakers.
The first film fest was held in Royall Hall, and
about 10 films were screened.
Since then, the festival has been steadily
growing.
Last June, the first of more than 300
submissions of short films, documentaries,
feature and experimental films began streaming
in to the industry professionals who comprise
Jubilee’s advisory board.
One of those board members, Kevin Mullin,
Instructor and Studio Engineer and all around
“go-to-guy” in UMKC’s Film and Media
department will be an integral part of the festival.
Mullin most looks forward to seeing the films
of the UMKC alumni whom he’s worked with in
the past, such as Todd Norris, Justin Kerfeld and
Albert Witfong.
Area native and Midwestern filmmaker Amy
Unell will be screening the premiere of her
documentary film “Starting at the Finish Line:
The Coach Buelher Story.”
Based on the inspirational story of one man who
helped integrate college sports, the documentary
was a project that she and her film students from
Duke University collaborated on. There is a lot of
energy and electricity surrounding her film—an
exhilarating thought when one considers that last
year’s film fest premiered “Winter’s Bone,” which
went on to receive several Oscar nods including
the nomination for Best Picture.
In addition to the screenings, many creative
minds and industry professionals bestow upon
KC their experiences, challenges, triumphs and
wisdom through workshops, seminars and guest
panels.
“[The fest] is really geared up toward being
a service to actual filmmakers, particularly
students,” said Associate Professor Dr. Tom Poe
from UMKC’s Film and Media department. “It’s
about a week equivalent to film school.”
Dr. Poe fondly remembers that first afternoon
in Royall Hall, as he’s been involved with the film
fest ever since.
These days, he commends the fest for its
unique and educational value available to anyone
who is passionate about filmmaking.
As one of campus’ favorite film critics himself,
Dr. Poe is looking forward to hearing Elivs
Mitchell, a past film critic for the New York Times,
speak. He will be among the “coolest and hippest”
that will be at this years’ festival, not to mention
actor Michael Bhien-the actor that saved Sarah
Connor from the Terminator back in 1984.
Something that’s new this year is a partnership
with AMC Theatres.
Many workshops are free with a valid student
ID. Tickets for individual films are generally
$10, but economy passes can also be purchased.
Volunteers are also needed.
More information on how to purchase tickets
or how to volunteer can be found on www.
KCfilmfest.org.
[email protected]
U-News is a 2011 Missouri College
Media Association award
Division 1 winner!
2nd place: Story Illustration
(Mark Linville)
2nd place: News Writing
(Nathan Zoschke)
3rd place: Regular Column
(Nathan Zoschke)
2nd place: Entertainment Review
(Melissa Oribhabor)
2nd place: Advertising
(Kate Lawler)
Honorable Mention: Entertainment Review
(Kate Lawler)
Honorable Mention: Sports Photography
(Katie Vasholtz)
A&E
14
The
‘Superstar’ returns
Mark Linville News Editor
In today’s music scene, we see a
lot of artists striving to be different.
Very few actually succeed in
standing out in the crowd.
One artist who does is Lupe Fiasco.
Lupe’s latest release, “Love Always Shines Everytime, Remember
2 Smile,” or “LASERS,” is a shining
example of how to be original in
2011.
One word to describe his album
over all is rebellious, which is the
word illustrated by the album cover’s anarchy symbol.
“LASERS” is classic Lupe in the
sense that he never fails to bring his
originality through his positive and
real lyrics.
His song “The Show Goes On”
is a perfect example of his uplifting
music.
Lupe has been known for breaking the rap mold.
His single “Kick, Push” from his
2006 album “Lupe’s Food and Liquor” was his debut of rebellious
rap music.
“LASERS” features many well
known artists that cameo on each
track.
R&B artist Trey Songz provides
vocals on the track “Out of My
Head” and the legend himself, John
Legend lends his talent to the final
track on the album “Never Forget
You.”
“LASERS” is one of those albums that make you feel good after
listening to it.
It’s awesome to have an artist like
Lupe Fiasco who creates music to
inspire. He doesn’t waste his time
and talent rapping about the useless
facets of life.
This is his third studio album,
will it be his last?
In 2008, Lupe announced
that his third and final album
“LupE.N.D.” would mark his retirement from music.
However, his record deal with
Atlantic Records prevented his exit.
In a 2008 interview with Rolling
Stone, Lupe spoke of his retirement.
“I was 85 percent last year,” Lupe
said. “Now I’m like 96 percent
[sure] this year that ‘LupE.N.D.’ is
gonna be the last album.”
But that was then, and now
Vol. 78, Issue 27
“LupE.N.D.” has been
put on hold and “LASERS” took place of his
planned final album,
which is no longer “final.”
Until the day
Lupe Fiasco does
retire, we’ll all
just sit back
and enjoy the
music while it
lasts.
A
[email protected]
Me likey Lykke Li
Kate Lawler Production Manager
“I’m your prostitute, you gon’ get
some.”
Under any other circumstances,
having these lyrics stuck on repeat in
my mind would be an annoyance. But,
Lykke Li has me thinking myself a lady
of the night… and I don’t hate it.
In late February, the Swedish
songstress released her sophomore
album “Wounded Rhymes.” With a
folksy- electronic pop sound, the album
illuminates Li’s growth as an artist.
Li’s first album, “Youth Novels,”
released in 2008, featured light sounds
with what seemed like the focus
being primarily on lyrics. In contrast,
Li livened things up in “Wounded
Rhymes” with bold songs like “Rich
Kid Blues” and “I Follow Rivers.”
She incorporates strong electronic
beats with the same gripping lyrics and
ethereal voice.
Li’s background is also apparent in
her recent work.
She lived in places like Nepal, India,
Portugal, Lisbon and Morocco growing
up. Both her parents were involved in
Swedish punk bands with her father’s
band, Dag Vag, later gearing toward
reggae.
Her mother abandoned music for
a successful career in photography
ranging anywhere from editorial work
to photojournalism in countries like
Afghanistan and Tibet.
Li’s diverse upbringing culminates
into dynamic sounds and a stage
Save the date
Sarah Ashlock
A&E Editor
Tuesday, April 5
• Tuesday Tune-up: Noon-1 p.m., University Center Room 161.
This week’s theme is guided imagery/progressive muscle relaxation.
• Free Community Cinema Screening: 6:30-8:30 p.m., University
Center Room 402. Sponsored by the Film and Media Arts Program,
there will be a free screening through the very successful Community Cinema series. The film is “Bhutto,” a documentary depicting the
story of Benazir Bhutto, the first woman in history to lead a Muslim
nation: Pakistan. She was assassinated in 2007 and was later named
one of the seven winners of the United Nations Prize in the Field of
Human Rights. To learn more, visit www.bhuttothefilm.com.
Wednesday, April 6
• Across the Seas Series: 3-5 p.m., iX Theatre - Miller Nichols Library, first floor. This is part one of three in a series exploring global
issues related to war, genocide and crimes against humanity and
focusing on the United States’ role, policies and women’s and children's rights, led by UMKC law professors Bill Eckhardt and Rana
Lehr-Lehnardt.
Thursday, April 7
• Greek Week: The UMKC fraternity and sorority community
will gather for community service, philanthropy projects, sporting
events and more through April 14.
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month tables: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by the UMKC Violence Prevention and Response Project
and the Women’s Center, tables will have information about campus and community resources regarding sexual assault and how to
deal with it or help a friend deal with it. We'll also have information
about campus and community resources.
• Lecture about social networking: 7 p.m., Pierson Auditorium.
Social scientist and University of California, San Diego professor
James Fowler, Ph.D., will be discussing his most recent book, “Connected.” His research typically focuses on social networks like obesity, smoking and happiness. Notably, he found the first scientific
evidence to support the “Colbert bump,” a phenomenon proving
political candidates receive increased political support after appearing on Stephen Colbert's “The Colbert Report.”
Friday, April 8
• INK Magazine’s Middle of the Map Fest: the Riot Room, the recordBar, the Union and the Beaumont Club. This two-day concert
event features headliners Cursive, Daniel Johnston, the Ravonettes,
Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos and the Two Door Cinema Club.
Making Movies is also playing (check out the A&E section for a review of their recordBar performance). Two day passes cost $25 and
presence both powerful and delicate.
Since her debut album, she has been
gaining popularity and has collaborated
with other artists like Kings of Leon
and Kanye West.
“Wounded Rhymes” is worth a
listen and definitely worth purchasing.
I’m a prostitute, and Lykke Li has
got some of my attention.
A
[email protected]
a one day pass costs $20. This is a must see/listen event. Visit www.
middleofthemapfest.com for more information.
• Mantillas y Rebozos, Hispanic Women's Views on Sexuality:
4-6 p.m., Guadalupe Center (1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez). This
event is designed to encourage participants to look beyond their
preconceived notions when considering Hispanic women's views
on sexuality. A reception will be held from 4-5 p.m. The program
will begin at 5 p.m. This program is free to attend, however, one must
register in advance. Email [email protected] for more information.
Saturday, April 9
• Third Annual Health Sciences Wellness Fair: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.,
UMKC Health Sciences Building.
Sunday, April 10
• Sixth Annual Have a Heart for Hope House: 1-9 p.m., BB’s Lawnside BBQ (1205 E 85th Street). Listen to the best of KC's blues and
jazz musicians as they raise funds for Hope House, an organization
whose services form a safety net of prevention, education and support for more than 10,000 victims of abuse every year. Enjoy a cold
brew and barbecue. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at
www.hopehouse.net/have-heart-hope-house or for $10 at the door.
[email protected]
Sassy Newspaper
Seeking
Sassy Staff
Interested in working for U-News?
Email us at [email protected]
?
You
SPORTS
16
Vol. 78, Issue 27
Player of the Week:
Alex Pena-Lopez
Elijah RinglerContributng Writer
UMKC track and field athlete Alex PenaLopez didn’t immediately set his sights
on becoming a full-time distance runner,
preferring soccer in high school.
It wasn’t until his senior year, when he was
approached by a UMKC assistant coach,
that he actually considered competing at the
collegiate level.
“Soccer is my favorite sport,” PenaLopez said. “But I didn’t have a future in it.
When I was approached about running [for
UMKC], I hadn’t actually thought much
about it yet.”
Now a senior, Pena-Lopez said the
experience as a student-athlete has better
prepared him for his future. The pre-med
student has the goal of becoming a surgeon
and sees similarities between the medical
field and athletics.
“I’ve definitely learned how to be more
of a leader in a team,” Pena-Lopez said. “As
a freshman, I wasn’t really outgoing. I’ve
learned how to work with a team and that is
something you have to know how to do as
a surgeon.”
The local St. Pius X product credits his
fraternity with a good deal of his social
growth, stating his allegiances and making
it clear wherein much of his pride lies. He is
engaging, making eye-contact and thinking
out sentences a bit more than most studentathletes.
Pena-Lopez states that his top two
choices for medical school are Kansas and
Missouri, with the University of Utah as
another option due to a connection at the
school. He notes the last four years did a
lot to prepare him for this forthcoming
challenge.
“I’m prepared,” Pena-Lopez said. “I am
definitely more prepared than I was four
years ago.”
[email protected]
Alex Pena-Lopez.
Photo courtesy UMKC Athletics
Golf recap Tennis recap
Luke Harman
Staff Writer
Women’s golf succeeds at UALR Classic
The UMKC Women’s Golf team returned
from the 2010 UALR Golf Classic tied for
the fifth lowest score in school-history, with
a 308 combined team score. The teams
heroics in Little Rock, Ark. was enough to
earn them an 18th place finish with a threeround total of 970 (326-326-308) which
had the girls produce a phenomenal final
round.
Sophomore Taylor Fisher led the Roos
with a score of 236 (82-80-74) which
saw her clinch 54th position. Senior Kati
Scholten was next in line in a tie at 74th spot
on the individual leader-board with a finish
of 240 (81-83-76). Senior Jessie Kosch’s 247
was enough to tie for 85th position, while
Junior Madison Maddox’s 250 placed her
in 90th.
Summit League rival Oral Roberts took
home the team title with a combined score
of 903, while Florida International’s Laura
Stempfle took the individual honors. The
Lady Roos will be back in action on April
11-12 when they compete in the WSU
Spring Invitational in Hot Springs, Ark.
Men’s golf takes 15th place
The UMKC Men’s Golf team returned
from Little Rock, Ark. this week after two
challenging days and three tiring rounds
of Division 1 golf. The Roos finished 15th
overall at the UALR First Tee Collegiate
Classic with a combined final team score of
918 (307-289-322).
The Roos were led by Swedish
sophomore Viktor Mikaelsson who tied for
23rd position on the final scoreboard with a
combined three-round score of 225 (76-7277). Junior Englishman Will Robson tied
with teammate Freshman Jack Fiscus back in
53rd place with final scores of 231. Finishing
out for the Roos were Sophomore Korbin
Kuehn in 71st position and Freshman Cole
Chelle in 76th position respectively.
The final day pin-positioning by
tournament officials was evidently a hurdle,
which UMKC proved a difficult task to
muster. Although experience is key in all of
these hard-fought events and the Roos will
look to get back to winning ways in the runup to Summit League play.
The Golfing Roos will be back in action
in Branson, Missouri when they compete in
the Branson Creek Invitational on April 4-5.
[email protected]
Elijah Ringler
Contributing Writer
Men’s tennis defeats Northwest Missouri State
The UMKC men’s tennis team defeated Northwest
Missouri State 4-3 on Wednesday, March 30 at the
Plaza Tennis Center. The victory was the seventh for
the Roos and improved their overall to 9-6.
Sophomore Grant Fleming notched two wins
on the day to lead the Roos. He came back to defeat
Calvin Patterson after dropping the first set. He
had earlier combined with fellow sophomore Nino
Hasandedic to down the Bearcats top duo 8-5.
Sophomore Abdul Alawadhi was victorious in
three sets in the No. 3 slot and freshman Cameron
Schoenhofer and sophomore David Heckler needed
the minimum of two sets to get the wins in the No.4
and No. 5 slots, respectively.
UMKC dropped matches in the No. 1 and No. 6
slots and couldn’t wrap up the doubles point after the
Roos started the proceedings with a victory.
The Roos travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. on April 8-9
to take on Summit League foes IPFW and Centenary.
Men’s golf takes 15th place
The UMKC women’s tennis team capped a busy
week with four straight victories after opening the
week with a blowout loss to an in-state rival. The Roos
fell to Saint Louis 7-0 on Monday, March 28 before
playing four Summit League opponents in three days
over the weekend.
UMKC started off with a 5-2 victory over Oral
Roberts on Thursday, March 31. The victory marked
only the second over the Golden Eagles in school
history and the first since 1992. Sophomores Laura
Bouet and Suzan Lisenby each picked up a victory in
both singles and doubles. The matchup took place at
the Overland Park Racquet Club.
The Roos moved back to the Plaza Tennis Center
on Friday, April 1 and defeated Western Illinois
and South Dakota State by identical 7-0 scores.
The momentum continued with a 6-1 victory over
Oakland on Saturday, April 2. The victory ties a
school-record and puts the team at 10-12 (6-2).
[email protected]
SPORTS
April 4, 2011
17
KC Brass face Sporting KC XI
Luke Harman
Staff Writer
The local Kansas City Brass (PDL) team here in
Kansas City, faced off against an MLS Sporting KC XI
earlier last week on Monday, March 28, in a 3:30pm kickoff. The game was played in the pro team’s Swope Park
Training Center and had the Brass run out 3-2 winners in
a game that was played in three 30-minute sessions.
On the day, the Brass included past members of
the UMKC Men’s soccer team like defender Coady
Andrews, deep-lying midfielder John Bayron Sosa and
skillful forward Bryan Perez.
Current UMKC soccer star, Englishman Tom Black,
also added an influential presence to the team on the
day. An incoming UMKC player for the fall season of
this year, Jordan Rideout, lined out for the Sporting KC
squad as he has been part of the youth set-up there.
However, while these UMKC players were clearly
more skillful and controlling than the key media presence
of the day, NFL star Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson stole all
the attention in his first game-scenario appearance in his
trial period with Sporting KC.
The game itself was one which was hectic at the best
of times with neither team having any real periods of
penetrating possession as the cold ripped through the
area around Swope Park.
The Brass took a surprise early lead after a corner kick
was badly dealt with by KC ‘keeper Eric Kronberg, and
former UMKC centerback Andrews was on hand to
head the ball goal-bound before the ball took a deflection,
or two, or three!
The one goal lead was enough for the Brass to hold
onto a first session lead, but in the second period,
Sporting equalized through a headed goal from Kevin
Ellis after some sloppy work from the Brass net-minder.
In this tale of goalkeeping errors, Sporting’s Kronberg
again made an error from a deep cross and failed to get
hold of the ball at the back post before ex-Drake forward
Garett Webb looped a shot into the far right hand corner,
an excellent finish by any standards.
Two to one starting the final 30-minute session and
Sporting pounced on a poorly cleared ball, and Sporting
KC Junior Ray Lee steered the ball low into the net away
from the outstretched keeper’s grasp.
For the game winner, UMKC’s midfield partners
combined as Sosa sent a perfectly weighted through ball
to Black who strode towards goal, drew Kronberg out of
the goal, and then cleverly put the ball on a plate for Brass
winger Justin Beck to finish with ease.
‘Ochocinco’ played two sessions out of three and
looked tired, unaware of the technique involved with the
game and at times even the rule of offside.
However, as he has previously stated to ESPN about
his trial, he is fulfilling a childhood passion of playing
“real football” and does not want to be seen as the next big
MLS superstar. While his soccer ability may be limited at
best, the grace and media attention he has brought to the
game can only benefit the rise of soccer here in the States.
Any press is good press, and hopefully the Sporting
number 85 has brought soccer to the attention of a public
which may not have previously been aware of.
[email protected]
John Bayron Sosa.
Photo courtesy UMKC Athletics
Rugby at UMKC Events Schedule
A look at the rugby team
Luke Harman
Staff Writer
Come one, come all, its egg-chasing season
at UMKC.
In the aftermath of the European Rugby
Union finale of the Six Nations, which saw
England prove victorious, the UMKC Rugby
team will now attempt to follow suit in an
attempt to bring some silverware to campus.
The Rugby Roos travelled to Wayne, Neb.,
on Saturday, March 26, and competed in
a tournament of 30 teams from across the
Midwest.
The two-day competition at Wayne State
College was as exciting as its promotional slogan
claims, ‘This is the best rugby tournament in
Central USA’.
So how do those interested in rugby become
involved in the sport at UMKC?
The rugby club has been in operation for
nearly one year and recruits new players with
varying skill levels. There is no experience
necessary, so whether one is the next fluttering
Welsh superstar Shane Williams, All Blacks
kicking expert Dan Carter or just simply a
brute force mountain of a man like Irishman
Paul O’Connell, UMKC is ready to recruit new
talents.
You might be a rising talent, you may even
just like watching rugby and fancy yourself as a
player or you may just want to come along for
the experience and fun to be had while playing
the game which has so greatly influenced
football.
No matter what the reason, you can read up
on statistics all you want and YouTube rugby
hits until your eyes are sore, but there is no
better way to learn and improve at a sport than
actually getting out there and experiencing it for
yourself. So why not come along, what’s there to
lose – accept maybe a limb or two?
Practice will be organized on Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6-8
p.m. each week with games being played on
Saturdays. Theis Park, to the south of the Nelson
Atkins Art Museum, will be the location for
Tuesday and Thursday night, while Durwood
Soccer Stadium will house Wednesday night’s
practice.
If you are interested please bring running
shoes, cleats, a mouth guard and due to this
recent weather, some good ol’ water. For more
information, call Wayne Nicholsen at 816-5181156.
[email protected] Kevin Bryce
Men’s Soccer
Photo/Sports Editor
April 9
Missouri S&T*
Durwood Soccer Stadium
4 p.m.
April 8
April 10
Rockhurst
Central Missouri
7 p.m.
4 p.m.
April 4-5
Branson Creek Invitational
Branson, Mo.
All Day
April 9
South Dakota
Omaha, Neb.
2 p.m.
April 8
April 9
IPFW*
Centenary
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Fort Wayne, Ind.
9 a.m.
9 a.m.
April 9
April 9
April 10
Centenary
Centenary
Centenary
Shreveport, La.
Shreveport, La.
Shreveport, La.
4 p.m.
6 p.m.
Noon
April 2
Emporia State Invitational
Emporia, Kan.
Women’s Soccer
Men’s Golf
Women’s Tennis
Men’s Tennis
Softball
Track
All Day
*Science and Technology
*Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
[email protected]
18
Disclaimer
FORUM
Vol. 78, Issue 27
U-News is the official newspaper of UMKC, however, we remain an independent student newspaper. The views of individual writers do not represent the
publication or university as a whole. All university students are given an opportunity to join and participate in U-News.
A (French) affair to remember
Jacquelyn Hoermann Staff Writer
In late summer 1919, a young French woman
pens a letter to a young American man to let him
know she misses him.
The woman’s name is Nievre Chérése Girodde
but in the letter she refers to herself as “the French
girl.”
Her letter is addressed to Harvey “Chauncey”
Hoermann, a young man from St. Louis, who was
stationed in France during WWI.
Girodde writes, “You left our little town long
time ago and now I hope you are at home… I
send you a picture of your little boy. I know you
will like to receive it.”
Finding this letter shocked the Hoermann
family.
The letter was recovered by Lily Hoermann
three years ago. She was given a box of old letters
and family mementos by her mother-in-law, Betty
Hoermann.
After rummaging through the box, she came
across the letter and asked her mother-in-law
about it.
Betty Hoermann simply replied, “Oh, I don’t
know.”
Since Betty Hoermann had a stroke in 1996
she struggled with memory loss.
Lily Hoermann said Chauncey Hoermann
broke the French girl’s heart.
“Maybe they had a little war love affair, she
had a baby, he came back to the states and pretty
much left her there,” Lily Hoermann said. “I think
she was the broken-hearted one, but I look at it
from my own experience from when I was young
and when I was left with the child and wanting the
relationship.”
When Lily Hoermann showed the letter to her
brother-in-law, Paul Hoermann, he was stunned.
Paul Hoermann explained that he was never
told much about his great uncle Chauncey.
“Growing up my mom always told me that
Uncle Chauncey had received a Dear John letter
when he was stationed over in France and that’s
why he never married,” Hoermann said.
“I think he got it and went nuts after the first
girl broke up with him and so he started sleeping
around.”
A distant relative, Craig Messmer, spent years
compiling information on his family.
His research on Chauncey Hoermann is
limited to census records and death certificates.
According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Chauncey
Hoermann was born on April 10, 1896. Later
census records indicate that he never married. He
died en route to a hospital on Sept. 14, 1958.
Paul Hoermann explained his father, Jack
Hoermann, was a man of few words. Jack rarely
mentioned Chauncey Hoermann.
With so much mystery surrounding a forgotten
love letter, the Hoermanns can agree on one thing:
this French girl wanted her ticket to America.
In the letter she mentions bringing her son to
America.
Girodde writes “For I shall like to bring him
there because I have many good friends over, but
how far for us is your nice country.”
Girodde closes the letter by saying, “Give to
your people the best regards of a French girl who
like very much the Americans.”
“This was pretty common,” Paul Hoermann
said. “The Americans came over and saved
France’s ass. So I’m sure a lot of French girls
wanted to come over to America and start a new
life.”
“I see it as her ticket to America,” Lily
Hoermann said.
Betty Hoermann passed away last summer.
She was the last living family member who knew
Chauncey Hoermann.
The oldest surviving Hoermann, Agnes
Hoermann, was contacted. Like the rest of the
family, she knows almost nothing about this
mysterious member of the Hoermann tribe.
No one knows if Chauncey Hoermann wrote
back to the French girl. If Girodde’s child is still
alive, family members estimate that he would be
in his nineties.
The Hoermann family will continue to wonder
about the circumstances of Chauncey’s French
love affair, and perhaps an old man in France
continues to wonder about his American father.
[email protected]
Fix the economy, then worry about immigration
Nathan Zoschke
Being in a recession sucks.
What sucks even more is how people revert
to infantile thinking and reasoning skills when
they’re desperate. We’ve all done it before. When
we’re in a situation with an uncertain outcome,
we want answers, and sometimes we become
antsy and invent answers to the problems we can’t
figure out. Usually it’s the easiest answer and not
the correct one. Having an easy answer gives us a
false sense of confidence and security.
Blame is easier than introspection. It’s enticing
to believe someone else is the source of a problem
that can be solved by “taking care of” the someone else.
Far too often, we “solve” our problems by
finding a scapegoat.
And the scapegoats, unfortunately, are often
the least responsible for the problems we blame
them for.
The panic over illegal immigration we witness
in the mainstream media is a testament to panic
and hysteria fear can cause when desperate people
clamor for a scapegoat.
Recent despicable comments by two Kansas
legislators took the veil off the elephant in the
room.
“If shooting these immigrating feral hogs
works, maybe we have found a (solution) to our
illegal immigration problem,” said Virgil Peck, a
Republican State Representative from Tyro, Kan.,
a small Kansas town near the Oklahoma border.
Connie O’Brien, a Republican State
Representative from Tonganoxie, made another
racist comment a month earlier.
When describing a girl in line at the financial
aid office at her son’s community college, she
stated, “We could tell by looking at her that she
was not originally from this country.”
When asked how she knew the girl was an
illegal immigrant, O’Brien stated, “Well she wasn’t
black, she wasn’t Asian, and she had the olive
complexion.”
The ludicrous quotes were made during a
debate over a proposed illegal immigration bill,
which would require officers to check the legal
status of persons who they suspect may be illegal
immigrants, based on “reasonable suspicion,”
which the law doesn’t define.
Today, both O’Brien and Peck sit cozily inside
the legislative chamber. The only significant
pressure for either to resign is a petition collected
by the Kansas-Missouri Dream Alliance calling
for Peck’s removal.
And why would they resign?
Bashing illegal immigrants has never been so
popular.
Go to a tea party rally or listen to a right-wing
pundit or talk show host, and they will tell you
illegal immigrants from Mexico are “sneaking”
across the border to suck the system dry with their
“anchor babies” and reclaim the Southwestern
United States.
The sudden obsession over illegal immigration,
and the urge to deport every single person in
this country illegally, seems odd, given illegal
immigration has occurred for years.
But the recent economic downturn helps put
things in perspective.
It’s a lot easier to score points with the folk
back home blaming the imaginary illegals on the
other side of the track who “stole” Joe Average’s
job than it is to try and understand the complex
mechanisms that control the economy.
Blame won’t solve any of our problems.
States that have implemented harsh anti-illegal
immigration measures have encountered costly
lawsuits and legal setbacks because of questions of
their Constitutionality.
If only rudimentary Constitution, history and
economics courses were mandatory for public
officials.
Until then, we can stand up to people’s
ignorance and the anti-immigrant agenda and be
advocates for human rights and civil liberties.
Letting others know where you stand and
sending emails or making phone calls to your
local reps are good places to start.
[email protected]
FORUM
April 4, 2011
19
A house for misfits hosts stellar music, good times
Samuel Towns
Staff Writer
I’m sitting on an unfamiliar couch, surrounded
by unfamiliar people, but I’m getting to know
them.
They’re musicians, and they’re poets. They’re
intellectuals, and they’re chess players.
They’re the eclectic group that fervently cheers
on bands who blast music in the basement of a
house just east of UMKC’s campus.
Its owners have dubbed the secretive space,
which is rapidly becoming an infamous hangout
for a motley assortment of dudes, the Salt Water
Taffy House.
Walking through the front door of the Salt
Water Taffy, or simply the Taffy, is like entering
into a strange new dimension.
Nothing seems familiar because the ordinary is
nowhere to be found within its walls. But it’s not
quite extraordinary either.
That word is a touch too verbose to describe
the Taffy’s raunchy goings on.
Where the Taffy does shine, though, is in its
sanctuary. Rebellious, but often downtrodden,
the crew that congregates here are among their
own. They’re safe to be themselves within the
confines of the Taffy.
Judgment is left in the familiar world, the world
left behind as one walks through the threshold
provided by the house’s front door.
Moving deeper into the heart of the Taffy,
one is greeted by plenty of couches for sitting, a
slew of provocative artwork for marveling and a
multitude of philosophical topics to discuss.
The mood of the house never seems to falter.
It always retains a comfortable level of optimism,
which fuels the good times throughout the night.
Bands from all over the Midwest stop by while
on tour to play in the house’s basement. They
seem to feed off of the house’s energy, keeping it
e
Different people ar
different .
-Melissa
pent up within themselves until they unleash in its
new musical form.
The bottom floor of the Taffy is a tiny, dimly lit
room, but the bands and fans make the most of
the space. Through a shroud of cigarette smoke,
one can discern arms flailing, fists pumping and
legs springing up and down.
Everybody in the basement is set in motion,
and, as the miniature mosh pit pulsates to and
fro, the guitarists’ heads head-bang in sync to the
rhythm of the drummer’s incessant beat.
During the Taffy’s last show, which took place
Thursday, March 24, a band by the name of Texas
Instruments (TI) performed. If you took Algebra
II back in High School, you should recognize
the name, which is taken from a popular line of
punch-key calculators. TI consists of guitarists
Tucker Porter and Matt Gall, Bassist Sam Hall
and drummer Iain Blair.
Their set that Thursday night consisted of all
I wanna do bad
things.
-Briana
new songs and the usual gang of misfits delighted
in being the first to hear their new material.
Leaving the Taffy after a show, one gets the
feeling that the house is almost a living, breathing
thing that will only get bigger and bigger over
time.
That feeling is what keeps the house’s dedicated
fan-base coming back for more potato chip antics
and couch-sitting good times.
At the rate that the Taffy is drawing in fans,
it would come as no surprise to find more
newcomers at their next show than dedicated
regulars.
If you’re interested in learning more about
the Salt Walter Taffy House, or in any of their
upcoming shows, check out their facebook page,
www.facebook.com/saltwaltertaffyhouse or just
head east of campus and follow the music.
[email protected]
If you have something
foreign on your face,
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April 4, 2011 - UMKC WordPress (info.umkc.edu)

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