| The Metropolitan |
| metronews Technology fee at record high Brian
Keithline Metro students are paying more money in student fees this fall as the information technology fee jumps to a total of $51 per student–the highest amount in the college’s history. Students might not even see the improvements — made possible by the technology fee increase — take place until next year, according to Leon Daniel, Metro’s associate vice-president of Information Technology. Along with the technology fee hike, two other student fees also increased. In order to keep pace with a booming enrollment rate that can deplete campus services, Metro increased the health services fee and the athletic fee. The technology fee, however, will cost a full-time student $17 more than in previous years. "The technology on campus needs updating," said Nicholas Delmonico, Metro’s student government vice president of student fees. He said that the fee increases took students by surprise. "I believe the fees are necessary, but there could’ve been a better effort to inform students well in advance," Delmonico said. There were earlier attempts to notify students of the fee hike – through mailed handouts, for example – but those efforts failed, Delmonico added. For the past four fiscal years, Metro has bumped up the amount of money it collects to maintain computers and to provide computer services. Topping the list of projected uses for the money is the construction of a new computer lab in the Plaza Building. Currently, the Plaza Building has one lab, which is often used for foreign language classes. Many of the other uses for the money include buying new computers, buying computer supplies and hiring more full-time employees. In a written document, the technology department unveiled those plans and even announced its intentions to design an enhanced e-mail system. The improvements, however, might be delayed because final approval for equipment purchases didn’t come until mid-June, Daniel said. "Usually, the board approves our equipment orders in May," Daniel said. "That means we won’t receive all of the new equipment until later…and we might end up having to set everything up over Christmas break." The delay could temporarily slow the rate at which old computers in the labs are swapped out with newer ones, and it also could hamper the building of a new lab. Delmonico said that although he favors new computers and new computer labs, he doesn’t want Metro to keep hiking fees because it didn’t budget enough for necessary equipment – or if a delay raises the cost of upgrading. "Metro needs a lot of checks and balances on this setup, because technology is moving so fast," Delmonico said. "(Metro) can’t keep coming back and asking for more money. Even this recent fee increase should have been done more properly." Most students don’t seem to disapprove of how the money is being handled, Delmonico said. Instead, they feel alarmed at the sudden fee increase. Some students wished they had been given more time to study and comment about the fee increase before it was enacted. Metro student John Pederston said he didn’t know about the higher fee until he arrived on campus to pay for classes. "I was surprised," Pederston said. "There wasn’t a full-fledge attempt to tell the students before the fees were increased. "The computer labs are crowded and they need newer Macs. If the fee helps update this stuff, then I support it." But if the equipment doesn’t arrive until the middle of the fall semester, the information technology department doesn’t expect to replace old computers until December. The new fee increase will help fund the replacement of each computer every four to four and a half years, according to written documents. Computer experts in the Information Technology department recommend that computers and other hardware be replaced every three years to ensure Metro has the state-of-the-art technology. Each desktop computer is estimated to cost between $2,000 and $2,500. Student fees alone will more than triple the technology budget for servers and computers from $150,000 to $480,000. An increasing demand for color printing has also prompted the technology department to consider buying color printers for some Metro computer labs. Other plans, according to budget documents, include: • Metro expects to hire two additional full-time employees to join the current five-member technical staff. As more students and instructors use the computer labs, the college needs more staff members to diagnose computer problems and to maintain computer systems. • The technology department also will purchase and upgrade computer software, especially operating-software programs. Department officials have allocated about $30,000 to continue Metro’s Microsoft license agreement, which ensures the computer labs can utilize Microsoft’s Windows and Office software programs. • Nearly $70,000 of the budget has been appropriated for purchasing supplies such as paper and ink toner for printers. The department said the fee increase helps accommodate fluctuations in the vendor prices for supply items. Metro predicts it will collect a total of $1.5 million, for both fall and spring semester, as a result of the increase in the information technology fee. The college doesn’t anticipate a fee increase for the 2001-2002 school year, but for the past three years, Metro has raised the fee. In 1997, Metro collected about $537,000 in technology fees; in 1998, it collected nearly $765,000, and in 1999, Metro collected an estimated $1 million. In a technological world of computer bytes, ROM and RAM, it seems to cost more money to own state-of-the-art computer systems. Unofficial student surveys show that three out of four Metro students use a campus computer lab at least once in their college career, whether for classes or doing homework. "The fees, even when increased, are there so the services are available to everyone, even if they don’t use it," Delmonico said. Financial aid question taken at face value Kyle
Carlson As of July 1, question number 28 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), could cost a student financial aid. "If you have never been convicted of any illegal drug offense, enter ‘1’ in the box and go to question 29. A drug-related conviction does not necessarily make you ineligible for aid; . . ." The Colorado Department of Education is relying on a student’s honesty since school financial aid offices are not required to check up on the student’s answers. A random verification process is in effect. A student caught lying faces the loss of all financial aid privileges, according to section 668.40 of the Higher Education Act, Title IV. If a student answers 2, or yes, to question 28, his or her financial aid can be suspended. The new ruling uses the three-strikes- you’re-out theory for possession of a controlled substance. For a first offense, a student loses aid for one year. Second offense results in the loss of aid for two years. After the third offense, a student loses aid indefinitely, according to section 668.40 of the Higher Education Act, Title IV. Convictions of sale of drugs carry stiffer suspensions. The first conviction is a two-year suspension on aid. The second conviction is an indefinite suspension. A student may resume eligibility by completing a drug rehabilitation program, or by taking two unannounced drug tests. If a conviction is in any way overturned, the suspension will also end. Students are not affected by juvenile convictions. The Department of Education stated in its final regulations of this new law, "we intend to use the aid application process - the FAFSA and the Student Aid Report - to collect the necessary information from applicants. However, we will encourage students to notify their financial aid office if their eligibility status changes." No school financial aid department is required to question its students. The financial aid programs included are Pell and other Federal Grants, Federal Work-Study Programs, and Federal Student Loan Programs. In addition to giving students the benefit of the doubt, the Department of Education released a statement in March saying those who did not answer question 28 would not be denied financial aid. In other words, the department is giving students the benefit of the doubt even when they say nothing. "If they are going to have this law, why not enforce it?" said Lisa Demyanovich, a Metro student majoring in Spanish. If a student answers 2, or yes to question 28, a worksheet is then sent out (or, if applying online, the worksheet pops up) asking the questions that will tell you if you are eligible or not. Though the rule did not go into effect until July 1, convictions before that date are a consideration. For example, if a student had a conviction on Feb.1, 2000, that student would not be eligible for aid until Feb 1, 2001. Within an aid period, a student would be able to regain aid for the entire period if the suspension end falls during that time. However, a student who loses eligibility during an aid period would not receive any more aid during that period, and will have repay the money received after the conviction. "Don’t kids convicted deserve a second chance," asked Pat Keller, a mother of a potential student. "I mean, if these kids can’t afford college, and can’t get aid for a year, I would think many of them would never go back. And when you have nothing, why not do more drugs? Is it going to affect your job at the mall all that much?" Colorado group organizes benefit to feed Ethopians Chris
Ward Millions of people in Ethiopia are starving, so a Denver organization is putting on a show. Aynshet Gelagay, a Metro student and chairman of the Ethiopian Drought Relief Aid of Colorado, hopes the event his organization is putting together will help to alleviate the suffering caused by a recent drought in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Cultural Event will showcase the talents of several of Ethiopia’s top singers, dancers, and musicians, and will be held 7 p.m., Aug. 26. The drought, which is affecting the entire Horn of Africa region, began earlier this year, when rains that usually begin in mid February didn’t arrive until late April, resulting in less than one percent of the normal crop for that season being harvested. The United Nations estimates more than 13 million people worldwide are in danger of starving; nearly 8 million of whom are in Ethiopia. Gelagay hopes that people in Denver will take an active interest in the event. In addition to the local Ethiopian population, Gelagay hopes to attract anyone who is sympathetic to the situation in Eastern Africa, including some of Denver’s better-known citizens. "We’ve sent invitations to the mayor and some other people," said Gelagay. "We haven’t heard back from all of them yet, but we hope that they’ll come." Several local companies are sponsoring this event, including KOSI 101.1 FM, KMGH, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Money from these sponsorships is paying for the venue, allowing EDRAOC to donate 100 percent of ticket sales to the World Food Programme, which will use the funds to provide food and clean water for starving Ethiopians. Tickets for the event are being sold at prices ranging from $30 to $50. Gelagay hopes to raise about $110,000 through the event, making it "the second largest, if not the largest, (Ethiopian fund-raising concert) in North America." The United Nations World Food Program estimates it costs approximately $50 to save one life under the conditions in Ethiopia. The performers are part of a group that originally toured after the Ethiopian famine in 1984. At that time they were performing as a way of thanking countries that had provided aid. "We’re putting them together for the first time in ten years," said Yoseph Tafari, Event Coordinator for relief aid. Denver will be the first performance on what Tafari hopes will become another tour. "We’re trying to find a way to make them a permanent touring group." Tafari and Gelagay feel that by showcasing a variety of Ethiopian performance styles, they can provide something that everyone will enjoy. "Ethiopia is a very diverse country with many different cultures," Gelagay said. "The different tribes have different songs and different styles." The Ethiopian Cultural Event will be held at the Boettcher Concert Hall on August 26. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Change closes student crime records loophole Tasha
Pope Due to a recent amendment to a 26-year-old law, students’ crime records must now be posted publicly. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, which originally protected student educational records from being released by universities, was lacking clarification that would distinguish between educational records and law enforcement unit records. In 1992 amendments were passed that removed "law enforcement unit records" from the confidentiality requirements in the Buckley amendment. In October 1999, President Clinton granted more access to crime information. The changes were part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 and apply to all schools receiving federal funds. As a result, a public log of crime information must be posted and must be legible so all interested can read and understand what’s written. This log must include the nature, date, time and location of each crime. The names of the accused are also included in the log unless it will jeopardize safety or if it will affect a criminal investigation. "Everyday we update our log which includes all criminal activity occurring on campus," said Andrew Liska, detective for the Auraria Police Department. "We have copies of this log located in our office and we also fax it to all the campus news papers every night." Manslaughter, arson, drug and liquor violations, weapon possession, and hate crimes are some of the offenses considered criminal. Amongst the changes within the law it’s also possible for the parents of these students in violation to be contacted without their knowledge. "I think it’s unfair they can contact our parents without us knowing," said Daisha Rucker, a Metro student. "Metro State doesn’t have many problems considering it’s not a residential campus," Debbie Thomas, assistant vice president of college communications, said. "But when it is an issue we follow the law." CCHE study probes change Chris
Ward The Northwest Educational Research Center met with campus representatives recently as part of a study designed to suggest improvements for the three Auraria schools. The Northwest Educational Research Center, a research firm hired by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, held a public meeting at the Tivoli, where community members spoke on behalf of Metro, University of Colorado at Denver, and Community College of Denver. The public meeting was followed by private sessions with each of the three schools using the Auraria campus. The study is part of a process outlined by House Bill 1289, which directed the commission to examine elements of Colorado’s higher education system, and make recommendations to the legislature where changes should be made. Although annual reports have been made addressing elements of House Bill 1289, this is the first time a general overview of higher education has been conducted in more than a decade. Bill Chance, an executive officer of the research center, led the meeting. Among those speaking on behalf of Metro were Denver Board of Education member Rev. Lucia Guzman, Metro State Alumni Association president Carol Nesland, and Denver City Council president Happy Haynes (Haynes also spoke for UCD and CCD). Metro president Sheila Kaplan was optimistic about the sessions. "I believe all of the NORED meetings went quite well," she reported in an e-mail following the meeting. "The consultants were very complimentary of the college, and they said they were impressed with the strong show of support for Metro." During Metro’s private session, Kaplan urged the center to avoid unnecessary changes. She told the NORED to consider whether or not Colorado’s higher education system is serving the needs of Colorado citizens, siting recent studies and opinion polls to indicate that those needs were being fulfilled. Kaplan also said that Metro is different in structure than other higher education facilities, and encouraged NORED to take that into account while conducting the study. "This doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. There always is," Kaplan said. "But I would caution against changing the governance of higher education for the sake of change." The first draft of the study results will be posted by Sept. 15, and the final report is due to CCHE by Nov. 1. The report will then be presented to the House and Senate Education Committees, and the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee. Any changes to the Colorado’s higher education system will be implemented with legislation in the 2001 legislative session. ‘...I would caution against changing the governance of higher education for the sake of change.’ —Sheila
Kaplan Police briefs Indecent Exposure & Assault Denver police arrested Tony Lucero in connection with charges of indecent exposure and third degree assault, July 14 at the Boiler Room, a bar at the Tivoli Student Union Building, according to police records. Lucero was a member of the Auraria campus police, according to a Criminal Summons and Complaint dated July 19, 2000. The Auraria campus police identified Lucero as Felix Lucero, an Auraria Higher Education Center employee. A call at press time to Lt. Gary Kasson of the Auraria campus police was not immediately returned. Thefts Paul Encinias, 48, reported the theft his cell phone and a leather phone case, said Denver police. Encinias, a University of Colorado at Denver employee said that on July 31 someone "removed his cell without his knowledge or permission," according to the police report. Encinias reportedly told police that the culprit had made 143 phone calls on the stolen cell phone in four days after lifting it from an Auraria Campus computer lab at 1190 9th St., Denver. Metro employee, Alton Clark, 48, reported the theft of a Hewlett Packard color scanner sometime between June 30 and July 13, said Auraria campus police officer Mark Bradley. Clark, who placed a $300 value on the scanner, reported it stolen from an office in the Auraria Campus Arts Building at 1150 10th St., Denver, police said. Police reported that no suspects have been identified. Andrew P. Burk, 19, reported the July 26 break-in of his 1995 Ford F-150 truck and subsequent theft a Sony CD player, tennis shoes and $10 in cash, said Denver police. Burk said he "parked his vehicle in Lot K at the Auraria Campus, and when he returned he noticed …his (car) window was broken" and the reported items were missing. A 1992 Trek 850 mountain bike and accessories were reported stolen, said Denver police. Jeffrey J. Miller, 31, said the items, which he valued at $730 were stolen on July 31. Drugs and Alcohol Auraria campus police arrested a juvenile for possession and consumption of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful acts around schools. Police declined to name the suspect. The offense occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Aug. 1, police said. Auraria campus police reported the arrest of Anthony Aragon, 31, for public consumption of marijuana on Aug. 8. Aragon was turned over to the Denver Police, according to a police report. On Aug. 6 about 2:00 a.m. Auraria campus police arrested Nathan Diller, 21, for DUI, police said. Police accused Diller of crashing the 1971 Chevrolet pick-up truck that he was driving into a parking gate near the intersection of Auraria Parkway and Speer Boulevard. The vehicle continued and collided with a pole that protected a parking kiosk, said Auraria campus police officer Paul Rulla. Police reported no injuries. —Edward Bishop Winslow computers & technology Convention web sites deemed duds Laura
Meckler LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Internet is supposed to be the big new thing for political conventions, but so far the reality has not lived up to the hype, according to new reports. The most popular news Web sites saw a drop in users during the Republican National Convention, and creative efforts by sites to give political information in a new way produced mixed results, said a report Saturday by the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University. "Early evidence suggests that the online audience responded to the Republican National Convention like the rest of the electorate. Mostly, it stayed away," said the report, written by Michael Cornfield of George Washington University. A companion report found that while 35 Internet sites covered the Republican convention and hundreds of others provided news about the gathering, there was very little demand for the material they were producing. On a typical day of the convention, July 31-Aug. 3, about one in four Americans used the Internet, but only a third of them sought out convention information. And two-thirds of that group spent "just a few seconds" looking at it, according to polling by Shorenstein's Vanishing Voter Project. "Americans had almost no interest in experiencing the convention over the Internet," the report concluded. With television networks pulling back their coverage of presidential nominating conventions, Web sites and political parties have heralded 2000 as the year of the Internet. Cornfield found that the lack of interest in a convention with little news and shortcomings in the Web sites themselves, contributed to the lackluster Internet interest during the GOP gathering in Philadelphia. C-SPAN's Web site, for instance, allowed viewers to choose among camera angles at the convention, but the view was "dark, tiny and hard to decipher," the report found. And CNN.com promised users the chance to see what it was like to be a delegate, reporter, VIP or protester, but the final product was just a set of feature stories. Some sites had more success. The report pointed to The Los Angeles Times, which posted a "Diary of a Delegate," with daily entries from a New Hampshire delegate. Site visitors could e-mail her their thoughts. Voter.com offered an array of material, including columns from pundits, nightly poll results and a collection of the best stories from other sites. "But for all of its efforts, Voter.com did not pull in much traffic during the convention week," wrote Cornfield. Meanwhile, a second study by PC Data Online, a Virginia firm that measures home Internet usage of 120,000 Americans, found a 14 percent drop in visits to the four most popular news sites _ MSNBC.com, CNN.com, NYTimes.com and WashingtonPost.com _ during GOP convention week. At the same time, an unrelated study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that even Americans who watched very little TV coverage of the Republican convention learned about George W. Bush's positions on taxes, abortion and Social Security. "With all the talk of how empty and vacuous the Republican convention was, the public still got accurate information about issues that matter," said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, dean of the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. "There is learning here." Community colleges join for e-business classes Brian
Keithline It could become easier to conduct business on the Internet with the help of four one-day E-commerce workshops being offered this fall. Three local community colleges are planning to hold four workshops that will teach participants how to build successful business web sites and how to make money on the Internet. Each one-day workshop will be offered on two separate dates. After taking all the workshop classes, participants will know enough about on-line business to venture forth and join the wide world of electronic commerce, according to Carol Miller of the Community College of Denver’s Business Administration department. Three community colleges have teamed up to offer the workshops, which will be taught by instructors from the Community College of Denver, Arapahoe Community College and Red Rocks Community College. Miller said the partnership allows the colleges to pool their resources and to give people an opportunity to keep pace with the ever-changing world of technology. Starting September 8, the colleges will begin the workshop sessions as follows: • Getting Your Business on the Web: a workshop in preparing a business web site. Offered on Sept. 8 at ACC and Oct. 19 at CCD. • E-Marketing: a workshop that teaches how to market a web site. Offered on Sept. 15 at ACC and Oct. 26 at CCD. • Business Strategies for the Internet: a look into successful Internet strategies. Offered on Sept. 22 at ACC and Nov. 2 at CCD. • E-Commerce Issues: an in-depth examination of legal and international issues. Offered on Sept. 29 at ACC and Nov. 9 at CCD. The workshops cost $179 each and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register for the workshops being held at ACC, located at 5660 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Englewood, call 303-721-7661. Otherwise, to register for the workshops at CCD, call 303-226-5314. More and more colleges equip students with computers Michelle
Koidin SAN ANTONIO (AP) — From his dorm room or even his parents’ home in Atlanta, Stuart Bracken can start a discussion among his Wake Forest University classmates and professors -- be it on a literary classic or an economics concept. Hundreds of miles away in Austin, students at Concordia University no longer have to work frantically to finish their research or papers before the computer lab closes for the night. Across the country, more and more universities are issuing laptop computers to undergraduates, allowing them to access the Internet at their classroom desks, type notes during lectures rather than scribble and e-mail questions to their professors at any time of day. "That’s one of the reasons I came here," Bracken, 19, said from Winston-Salem, N.C., where he is a sophomore at Wake Forest. "I feel like in the real world I’m going to have to deal with technology and computers. I was planning on getting a computer for typing and all that stuff, but laptops are more efficient.’’ From St. Mary’s University in San Antonio to the University of Minnesota-Crookston, about 50 colleges are equipping their students with laptops this fall, said Kenneth C. Green, director of The Campus Computing Project, which studies the role of information technology in higher education. Most are smaller, private institutions such as St. Mary’s, a 4,200-student, Catholic college that will phase in a laptop program beginning with freshmen this year. The colleges have set up leasing or discount deals with the big computer companies and arranged to swap the machines for updated models every two years. Many of the schools have raised tuition $1,000 a year to help cover the cost of the computers and to wire classrooms, dorm rooms, libraries and common areas. Some are even making their campuses wireless so that students can connect to the Internet from anywhere; mounted around campus are small antennas that receive radio signals from wireless adapter cards inserted into laptops. Administrators promoting the concept say it makes more sense to provide portable computers than suggest that students buy them, as many universities are doing. And students working in groups all have the same equipment, meaning technicians hired by the schools are familiar with the machines and can handle any problems. At many schools, the students get to keep their laptops when they graduate. Kristin Wollman, a recent graduate of Concordia, which began issuing laptops last semester, said the program was well worth the tuition hike. "It was very easy for our professors to get in touch with us through e-mail," she said. "We didn’t have to go to a computer lab, which has limited hours. Plus, she said, "I had two professors who gave an immense amount of notes, and you can’t always write as fast as you can type.’’ What’s more, by providing laptops and incorporating them into the curriculum, the 500-student, Lutheran-affiliated college is "proving that we can be technologically advanced,"she said. Indeed, for many of the schools, laptops-for-all is a key selling point. At Concordia, just minutes away from the University of Texas, "we were able to level the playing field a little bit in education," said David Kluth, vice president for information and technology services. "We were able to equip our students with the kind of technology that students may be able to access at a large university.’’ For schools that decide to make the huge investment, the challenge is to fuse the new technology effectively into the curriculum. "You can’t teach the same way, or you shouldn’t be," Green said. Many professors say they’ve overhauled their courses with the introduction of laptops. They post syllabuses and lecture notes on Web sites, replace textbooks with electronic ones and assign students to find information on the Internet that is related to their coursework. Some teachers even put video clips of their lectures on the Web before class, so more class time is devoted to discussion and debate. Students turn in essays electronically; they are marked and returned electronically. "They come into class having read materials that I haven’t read, having been exposed to approaches I haven’t been exposed to, and they’re somewhat ready to challenge my approach, which leads to a much more interactive class with depth in discussion," said David G. Brown, an economics professor at Wake Forest. Brown said these days he lectures for 20 minutes and then stops to give what he calls a "one-minute quiz." The students, who have their laptops before them and are signed into a chat room, write summaries of the concept being discussed. Each can see the others’ summaries; they then work to refine them. When they leave, "they feel something of an expert on the topic," Brown said. But some college administrators warn that there is reason for caution as technology becomes a bigger part of campus life. "It’s discouraging, for example, when students rely on the information available on the Internet instead of learning to pursue other forms of research in the libraries and in person, and that’s increasingly the case," said Peter Wood, associate provost at Boston University, which does not issue laptops to students. A lot of information found on the Internet is unreviewed and unreliable, he said. Not to mention that the use of computers makes it easier for students to plagiarize. "There is a reason to be a little bit sober about this," Wood said, "and understand that even though our society has changed and this technology is here and people are going to be using it, it does erode in some ways a traditional liberal arts education." metro briefs A judge did not allow a man to take back his guilty plea in the stabbing death of his estranged girlfriend. Douglas County District Court Judge Thomas Curry refused Paul H. Tinsley’s attempt to back out of the plea bargain he entered on Oct. 22, 1999 for the stabbing death of Jennifer Foretich, a Metro student. Tinsley claimed he got "ineffective counsel" from a defense attorney. On Nov. 20, 1998 Foretich was found stabbed to death in the basement of her mother’s home in Highlands Ranch. Tinsley was found the next morning wandering around Lookout Mountain with stab wounds to the chest he received during the struggle with Foretich. Foretich, a student at Metro, had recently ended the relationship with Tinsley. Tinsley was originally charged with first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree felony murder, first-degree sexual assault, and second-degree sexual assault. After he entered a guilty plea the charges were reduced to second-degree murder with a "crime of violence" special circumstance. He still faces a mandatory sentence of 55 - 80 years in prison. Judge Thomas Curry ruled Tinsley knowingly entered the deal. Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Oct.17. —Bernadette Baca Corrections The Metropolitan strives for accuracy. If you spot an error, call Sean Weaver at 303-556-8353. Students shouldn’t be forced to support certain groups Michael
Taylor AUSTIN, Texas — One of the biggest discussion topics at the 2000 Republican National Convention July 31 was the perceived persecution of conservative ideology at the nation's colleges and universities. The GOP's platform stated students should not be forced, through mandatory student fees, to support the agendas of certain groups at universities. The Republican’s are concerned that when students pay these fees, they are given no choice about where their money goes. "At many institutions of higher learning, the ideal of academic freedom is threatened by intolerance," the GOP platform stated. "Students should not be compelled to support, through mandatory student fees, anyone's political agenda." "The main things that the committee will look at is the ability of the organization to secure funds on their own," Daron Roberts, the University of Texas Student Government President, said. "If they are a new organization, they will obviously have a harder time securing funds than an organization that's been around a little longer, so they are more likely to give money to those organizations." Ted Royer, deputy press secretary of the Republican Party of Texas, said it is imperative for students to have a choice regarding where their fee money goes. "Republicans believe that people, whether they're students [or] taxpayers, should have control over their own money and shouldn't be forced to support political, ideological or religious causes that they don't support," Royer said. "[They] disagree with policies that force students to pay for groups that advocate an agenda that is in direct conflict with their own beliefs." Roberts said that because fees are mandatory, the implication is that there is no room for students to decide where their money goes. However, he said, students decide by electing representatives that will be responsible for such decisions. "Students select their representatives because they trust them to make decisions with their money," Roberts said. "They realize that these same students are going to be sitting on the appropriations committee and allocating the funds. It seems to me illogical to ask students to pick out of 900 organizations which organizations they want their funding to go to." |
metroeditorial Legislation misnamed The Christian zealots are getting smarter. Deciding not to make an honest full frontal attack on a woman’s right to choose, they are instead hoping to use the far right’s impressive arsenal of spin doctors to come up with catchy titles created to confuse the average misinformed voter. You’ve seen their work before. They’ve dazzled us with their creativity in the past, turning blatant racism into "English Only Initiatives", and attacks on single parent and non-traditional families into "Family Values". Now the Colorado Pro-Life Alliance has struck gold with "The Woman’s Health Information Act" (also known as the "Woman’s Right to Know Act"). This ballot initiative, to be voted on this fall, would require a woman to wait an additional 24 hours before being allowed to receive an abortion. Additionally, these women would be required to receive materials, given by the state and paid for with our tax dollars, informing them about abortion and alternatives to such. Apparently, calling this initiative the "Far Right Conservative Christians Trying to Impose Our Religious Objections Upon Your Civil Rights Act" was too long, so instead, the found an easier, softer title. The Woman’s Health Information Act is clearly an attempt to confuse those who are in favor of a woman’s right to choose, but who are not informed with the initiative’s small print. Like the phrase "No Special Rights" it’s intent is to get the average citizen to say, "gee, that doesn’t sound so bad…nothing wrong with information". Don’t be fooled. What this initiative is really designed to do is to prey upon women who are already backed against a wall. Adding an additional 24 hours to an ordeal such as abortion will, hope the zealots, make the procedure more difficult and expensive for women to obtain. It would also make it one of the only medical procedures that require governmental interference and oversight. When was the last time you heard of a doctor being required to give a potential liposuction patient a list of diet and exercise alternatives? The truth, as most of us already know, is that few women seek an abortion casually. Most women weigh the options heavily, knowing the physical, mental, and societal stigma that comes from having an abortion in this day and age. But that’s really not the point. The real issue is that, like it or not, abortion is legal. Its legality has been upheld by the highest court in the land, and whether the zealots agree or not, it is not a place for governmental interference. Whether a woman approaches her decision to have an abortion with hardship and heartache, or whether it’s a casual decision, it is not the state’s duty to oversee her choice. Don’t fall into the trap of judging an initiative by its slick title. Organizations like the are welcome to buy as much airtime on television as they wish to, they can send out flyers and dream up outreach tactics, but they shouldn’t get to dictate state law. Don’t let them. Parties use minorities to gain votes (U-WIRE) EAST LANSING, Mich. - Political parties have been speaking less of the issues they stand for and more of the people they stand with as the road to the White House continues. Party platforms have faded on conventions stages, as issues of diversity rise with new politicians -- who break the common white, Christian and male mold -- standing before voters to show that their parties are now more inclusive. Voters must not be won over by candidates who are of the same creed or practice the same religion. Americans should stay on course when selecting politicians on November's ballot. Voters should choose the candidate who holds similar values and ideas to their own. Vice President Al Gore chose Sen. Joseph Lieberman, an Orthodox Jew, Tuesday as his running mate, making the son of a liquor store owner the first Jew to run on a major party ticket. Less than a week later the Reform Party's presidential nominee, Patrick Buchanan, selected Ezola Foster, a 62-year-old black teacher and school administrator from Los Angeles. The selection made her the first black woman on a major party ticket in U.S. history. Both efforts are unprecedented in aiding a country struggling to diversify its leadership. However, if doing so is only to sway voters, who vote on the people and not on issues, the parties deserve no credit. And according to statistics, Americans are unlikely to be moved by such candidates. A USA Today-CNN-Gallup Poll released last week reported 88 percent of of likely voters believed a candidate's religion would make no difference in how they will vote. If the parties truly are sincere about becoming more inclusive, they will continue hiring qualified minorities in other key federal positions no matter what criticism is created within parties and despite polling numbers. The benefit of diversifying the country's leadership is that it opens more positions that have been excluding minorities. According to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, roughly 95 percent of blacks live in 22 states, where they can run for 66 U.S. Senate seats and governorships. Seventy-five percent of the Hispanic population is concentrated in just two states, where six offices are open. The limited number of positions available will soon increase as more minorities become appointed. The country has been exclusive with its top positions. Only five of the 42 U.S. presidents have ancestral links other than the British Isles. It was not until 1928 that a Catholic, Al Smith, was nominated to the Democratic ticket for the position. Former President John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic elected 32 years later. It is necessary for parties to break the country's tradition. Voters must continue to push for minority representation while urging candidates to keep the focus on issues as a way to attract voters, not by using minorities as tokens. ‘If the parties truly are sincere about becoming more inclusive, they will continue hiring qualified minorities in other key federal positions...’ No safe bets with Bush Steven Seward (U-WIRE) AUSTIN, Texas - Now that the presidential elections are only three short months away, it is time for the candidates to bask in glory at their respective conventions and prepare for the inevitable mud slinging and debates. It is also time when the American public should seriously scrutinize the promises and platforms of the candidates. Over the years, this has become increasingly difficult as candidates focus less on the issues and more on their perception to the American pubic and exposing the faults of other candidates. The candidates still make promises, and the promises of George W. Bush should be a cause for concern. One of the most critical issues facing policy makers is that of saving Social Security. Many experts estimate that along its present path, Social Security will become bankrupt in 2037. The Bush plan would allow for individuals to make investment options, and Bush's speeches on saving Social Security have keyed upon this principle. However, trusting a volatile market to save Social Security can possibly have serious setbacks. While the market has some built-in safeguards and the American economy is still enjoying tremendous growth and prosperity, this growth is driven primarily by technology stocks. A stock market crash or a recession could spell disaster for a Social Security system that relies on the market as a crutch. Trusting future livelihood to the stocks of Microsoft is not good policy, and in the event that the current level of prosperity does not continue, the government will be left scrambling for answers. In such a scenario, the only solution would be raising the taxes astronomically, which ironically is the solution Bush seeks to avoid with the investment plan. A second plank on Bush's platform is cutting taxes, returning roughly one-quarter of the budget surplus to the people. But given Texas' own tax history with Governor Bush, the form of these cuts should be viewed with a certain amount of scrutiny. Texas has had roughly $3 billion in tax cuts since 1997. Much of them were frivolous tax cuts, such as the "emergency" relief of $150 million to the oil industry, while not addressing more pressing needs, such as health insurance. In light of our history, the hard question that must be asked is whether or not the form of the cuts will be for the benefit of the people that need it, in particular the lower and middle classes, or whether the cuts will be dispensed to those Bush empathizes with. The concerns over tax policy in a Bush administration are expounded on in relation to the third promise of the Republican platform, the expansion of the military and education. With the selection of Dick Cheney, a former secretary of defense, as Bush's running mate, it was inevitable that beefing up the national defense would become a priority of the Bush campaign. Although defense already accounts for around $288 billion of the congressional budget, bringing the technology and capacity of the Armed Forces to the next level would greatly increase the required military budget, eating up a significant part of the forecasted surplus. In conjunction with Bush's education objectives, which would add at least $10 billion in funding for primary education programs, the feasibility of the Republican promise is doubtful. It does not meet the scrutiny that it should. This election year, amidst all the mud slinging and posturing, remember to think about what each candidate actually wants to accomplish should they take the highest office in the land. Look at their platforms, and see if their plans will bring the United States continued prosperity, or if they could cause an economic downfall. Look beyond the promises, and see the consequences behind them. Then vote accordingly. That is our right as citizens, and we will all be better off in the end because of it. ‘The candidates still make promises, and the promises of George W. Bush should be a cause for concern.’ Blessings for growth should be questioned Dear Editor, No one’s surprised that growth is our most common concern. After all, many people moved here for the world-class mountain views, recreation and wildlife. The surprise is that all these intelligent Colorado taxpayers are willing to pay $1.25 in taxes for every buck new homes bring in while roads, schools, even our personal safety, disintegrates before our very eyes. The old days when representative democracy really worked has long since been replaced by a lavish bribing system for politicians, while this same activity remains illegal for other forms of employment. Since Colorado home builders rake in over a billion dollars in profits annually, political blessings for growth should be viewed with great skepticism. Even former Governor. Roy Romer, a previous land developer, wouldn’t sign the legislature’s "Vested Rights Act" (takings), but it was one of the first bills graced by Colorado’s new single-party system. It allows councils to approve subdivisions years in advance so that if impudent peons want to control growth in their community, they’ll have to pay developers possibly millions for estimated lost profits. Add the recent "home builders bill-of-rights" limiting builder liabilities to a mere $1,000 and you begin to get the idea. Some foreign countries think we’re fools for conducting government this way. It’s only appropriate that we have our first election of the millennium to, once again, prove them right. Letters Policy The Metropolitan welcomes letters of 500 words or fewer on topics of general interest. Letters must include a full name, school affiliation, and a phone number or e-mail address. Letters might be edited for length, grammar and accuracy. Phone: (303) 556-8353 |
metroactive Family in the age of electronics "Hey Laura, how are you doing?" "Oh John, I’m so glad you called. This has just been a horrible day. Eddie got sick at the day care, and on the way home, the on-board entertainment system shorted out on the SUV." "That’s awful. Hold on, I have to take this call." "I’m sorry Laura. I’m back. That was Jim from work. He said he has a date this weekend with the woman he met on the Internet." "Just a second, John. I have a call on the other line." "John? I’m back. That was Lisa’s teacher. He said she hasn’t been showing up to class lately." "Really? I’ll call up to her room and talk to her. What’s her number again?" "Honestly, John. I can’t believe you keep forgetting your own daughter’s phone number. It’s 555-1234." "Hold on. I’ll give her a call. Young lady, your teacher called and said you have been ditching class." "I’m sorry daddy. The DSL connection has been down on my computer." "That’s no reason not to log onto class. You can use a regular modem if you have to." "But daddy, 56k is sooo slow." "I’m not going to argue with you, young lady. Tomorrow morning you will log onto class and e-mail your teacher to tell him you are sorry for missing class." "Daddy..." "Don’t daddy me. Anyway, I have to go. Your mother is on the other line. I love you." "I love you too." "Laura, I’m back. I don’t know what we’re going to do with that girl." "It’s all right, John. She’s just going through a phase." "She just doesn’t know how good she has it. When I was in school, we were happy with 19k modems." "It’s all right dear. Hold on, my boss is on the other line. We have to schedule a video conference for tomorrow." "All right." "I’m sorry that took so long, John. You know how my boss can talk on and on." "Don’t worry about it. By the way, Laura, this chicken is great." "Do you really like it? I picked it up through the new place on the corner. They have a drive through too." "I love it. Could you pass more of the mashed potatoes?" "Here you go. I have some gravy and more biscuits here too." "You sure can pick up a good meal." "Oh, it’s nothing really. Oh crap. I’ve got to go. The battery on my phone is running out. I’ve been talking on it all day. Why don’t you give me a call later. I have something special planned." "I love you." "I love you too." horoscope by miss anna ARIES: Anything that you have previously started needs to be pushed to the next level now, so get on with it. Your personal life takes precedence this week, so don’t hesitate to resolving any troubling situations. Keep your energies focused, your goal is at hand. TAURUS: You have a very sensible and practical philosophy on life, as long as you can avoid getting into a rut. Take a few chances. With just a little extra effort, you can charm most of the people around you to your way of thinking, so put on a big smile. GEMINI: Support for your ambitions will come from both your family and your friends. Money matters in general are not looking real bright lately, take the time to re-evaluate just where you spend your money. You are very flexible in your thinking, which will open up doors. CANCER: Your feelings towards those you love are deep, but you don’t always agree with their ideas and actions. Having the tendency to go to extremes will cause some friction at home - let moderation be the key to keeping everyone and everything on an even keel. LEO: It’s time to let go of some of your past problems, which will bring a soothing influence on your present thinking. It may be best to modify your behavior in the workplace before problems arise. Having such a strong ego will get you in trouble over and over again. VIRGO: There may be conflict with someone you love, but it can be avoided if you listen before you speak. While you are practical by nature, you would never know it this week, since you seem to be spending money everywhere you go. Some quiet time will be good for you. LIBRA: Balance is really what works for you, so exercise moderation when dealing with your relatives and family members. Make your time count, especially when dealing with children. You seem to be taking a whole new look at yourself - rebuild your image in a positive way. SCORPIO: A smile will go a long way, so try to be tolerant of others, even if you strongly disagree with them. There are new doors of opportunity being thrown open for you, so be aware before the chance passes you by. Try to keep a low profile and you will be surprised at what gets accomplished. SAGITTARIUS: Make changes now in your financial picture, and money matters will start to look better almost immediately. Try to go against your most extravagant nature and steer towards conservative thinking instead. There is a positive exchange of energy in a partnership. CAPRICORN:Your partner or members of the family may be impatient, so you should be at your best to deal with them correctly. Clear up any misunderstandings as soon as possible. You seem to have plenty of mental energy this week, use it to your advantage in the workplace. AQUARIUS: Avoid any impulsive spending, or it will put you more in the hole than you can imagine. But do follow your hunches in money matters, especially those in which you do not have much experience. Be candid in your communications and it will smooth out any snags. PISCES: You are in tune with the feelings of someone you love, making it easy to do just the right thing - how nice. If you are feeling a bit depressed and out of sorts, don’t sit around and mope, start making new friends instead. The truth is hard to get at this week. Life on the art streets Story by Edward Bishop
Winslow "Before heaven, there’s hell to pay," said an ArtsStreet student, who fled an abusive home environment when she was 14 years old. But five years later, after fighting depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and even a suicide attempt, the student, Janel Emerson, who is now 19, sings a different tune. Emerson whose broad range of talents include track and field, singing, writing and acting is involved in the ArtsStreet production of Putting it Together, a play "that ends when the curtain rises," Emerson said. The play is about all the behind the scenes events that must be finished before opening night, she said. Emerson’s contribution to the production is acting, singing and script writing, she said. Emerson said she is scheduled to attend classes at Metro. She intends to go to Metro for two years, then plans on transferring to a music school, she said. After that she would like to move to New York or maybe Hollywood, she said. "My dream is to be a professional singer. I’m going to perform in music somehow. I’m good at it," said Emerson. Maggie Stewart, Emerson’s supervisor, enthusiastically agreed, "Put her on Broadway immediately," she said. Her warm laughter filled the room. Stella Yu, associate director of the Mayor’s Office of Art, Culture and Film, introduced Emerson to ArtsStreet. Yu created ArtsStreet after she heard of a similar program in Chicago. "I can get paid for singing and acting? Wow!" she said. After that Emerson auditioned for a part in the theater group. But instead of delivering a monologue, as other participants did, Emerson said she sang. This proved not only her acting prowess, but her singing abilities, as well. "I’m so happy now. I kind of look at myself as a success story," Emerson said. She was smiling. "I think about my music a lot." But before her climb from physical abuse, depression, eating disorders and suicide attempts, she had hell to pay. The first installment occurred when, at 14 years of age, she ran away from home. At that time, she was enrolled in international baccalaureate studies. These included college level courses, more challenging than even advanced placement, she said. She was also active in track and field events and gymnastics, she added. After she fled her abusive home situation, Emerson’s grades plummeted and she ended up spending six months in a mental hospital, she said. After that she lived in a group home and a foster home. She now lives in an apartment in Denver. "I struggled probably around five to six years" with suicidal thoughts and attempts, Emerson said. Then, she became real still. After a long silence, she said that she had nightmares about her physical abuse. The nightmares caused her to wake up screaming. But she was "determined to get better. I’m going to change," she said. She did "lots of therapy." Luckily, Emerson had a strong support system. With an emotion filled voice, she said, "My family is real important to me." She lived with her aunt and uncle and is "really close to them." She described her sister as her "best friend." But Emerson glowed when she spoke of her high school music teacher, Sherri Goodwin, who, Emerson said is now her private voice coach and mentor. She visits Goodwin once a week for sessions that last between 30 minutes and an hour and a half, said Emerson. "We could sit and talk forever," said Emerson. "When I first came to ArtsStreet, I had a tiny voice," Emerson said, referring to her singing voice. She said she has no trouble singing out loud, now. And she feels more outgoing, also. "My life right now is great," she said. "Sure, I have stress but that’s normal." ArtsStreet is an eight-week multi-faceted arts project of the Denver Mayor’s Office of Art, Culture and Film in partnership with the University of Colorado at Denver, College of Arts and Media, according to Becky Clark, ArtsStreet’s site manager. The program began June 19th and continued through August 12th, said Clark. The program’s Project Showcase Media Event capped the program on August 11th and 12th, she said. Exhibition focuses on female artists Erin Laspa The impact of 20th century Coloradan female artists will be felt this month at Metro’s Center for the Visual Arts. The opening of the millennium celebration exhibition, Time and Place: One Hundred Years of Women Artists in Colorado, Aug. 25th will mark the first time Colorado female artists are recognized as a group, said the director of the center, Sally L. Perisho, who has worked at the center since she left the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1991. In accordance with the Center’s mission to serve the urban community, this exhibition will give a voice to a group of artists who have often been omitted from history and will document the important role of women artists in Colorado in the 20th century. The focus on women artists presents a less well known portion of art history, since women, prior to 1970 were often severely limited in their opportunities to advance their careers, according to Perisho. "Women are highly overlooked in the arts," Perisho said. "I believe this exhibit will be an inspiration to women at Metro and everywhere. These women’s lives as artists are outstanding." What these women had to do to make a mark on the arts was unbelievable; perseverance often their only friend, Perisho said. Perisho said even when she, a woman born decades later than most of these women, told her father she wanted to study art history in college, she was confronted with disdain. Her father wanted her to teach grammar. "If he said that to me then, imagine what these women’s fathers said to them," she said. Represented by the work of 11 women artists who lived and worked in Colorado from 1900 to 2000, the exhibition provides an overview of the progression of American art in the 20th century, during periods of change in the state and in the position of women in society and the arts. Time and Place is a collection of these 11 artists’ paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, ceramics, and hand spun weavings from collections throughout the U.S., including museums and heirs of the artists. Each artist represents a decade of the twentieth century. Henrietta Bromwell, a Denver native, will represent the 1900s with her traditional paintings. Bromwell’s Autumn Day Wash and Bridge will be one of her many pieces representational in subject included in the exhibition. The 1910s will be represented by Anne Gregory Van Briggle Ritter, a Colorado Springs woman acknowledged for her unique ceramic work, according to Perisho. Many of the ceramic pieces Van Briggle Ritter and her husband created are still some of the most sought after in the world. The glaze and characteristic style of their pieces are highly recognizable, Perisho said. Laura Gilpin, a photographer recognized for her vision of the Southwest, represents the ‘20s. According to Perisho, Gilpin’s work was a pioneer effort as it was before that of the likes of Ansel Adams. The ‘30s will be represented by Gladys Caldwell Fisher, a Denver woman who worked in large stone sculpture six to eight times her weight. She is the artist who carved the big horned sheep in front of the old Post Office in Denver. "They’re [the sheep] from that period of time in America that was so idealistic. ‘America the Beautiful’- that kind of idealism," said Perisho of Fisher’s work. Twins Jenne and Ethel Magafan, who made their mark in public commissions, represent the 1940s in the exhibition. The Magafan sisters painted many of the murals that still exist in Colorado post offices today. They also painted traditional paintings in oil and canvas. "When artists competed for federal competitions in the 1940s , they didn’t have to give their name. That is why these two women [Jenne and Ethel] were awarded so many commissions. Their art was competing at an equal status of men’s," Perisho said . Eve Drewelowe, whose work will represent the ‘50s, took her paintings from realistic to abstract, almost surrealistic, Perisho said. Her work was unique for its time and came before those abstract pieces of Vance Kirkland, another recognized surrealistic artist from Colorado. Beverly Rosen, who will be representing the ‘60s, took her art to her a whole new level, according to Perisho. "Rosen is an important artist because her art was entirely non-representational, meaning entirely conceptual and based on artistic concepts, instead of something in nature," Perisho said. Eppie Archuleta, who will represent the ‘70s, grew up in the Hispanic weaving and textile tradition of La Jara, Colorado. Archuleta’s mother was a weaver as well, but it was Eppie who gave Hispanic hand spun weavings importance in the market, according to Perisho. "Her mother would sell her weavings for $15. Because of Eppie’s persistence in her field during the ‘70s, her works began to be sold for thousands of dollars. They now sell for $5,000 to $30,000," Perisho said. Archuleta is the only woman of color in the exhibit. "It was hard for the other women to make a mark in the arts - but it was even more difficult for women of color," said Perisho. Betty Woodman, a professor of art at University of Colorado Boulder, will represent the 1980s with her unique statements in the field of ceramics, according to Perisho. Woodman’s ceramics are represented in the Denver International Airport and her pieces sell in the $50,000 range. "Woodman is another artist who took an art form and brought it to the attention of the media and the public," said Perisho. "We now recognize ceramics as an important art medium because of artists like Betty Woodman." Virginia A. Folkestad was selected to represent the 1990s for her work in installation art, according to Perisho. "She moved from sculpture into work that embraces large scale concepts which are often site specific," Perisho said. "Installation art is complex in meaning and materials." The curator of the exhibit is Katharine Smith-Warren. She is an independent curator who has organized a number of exhibitions on women artists of the West. The exhibition is sponsored by The Bonfils Stanton Foundation, a contributor to non-profit groups, particularly the arts. The foundation has provided $30,000 of the $80,000 needed to show the exhibition. Other sponsors include the Denver Rocky Mountain News and the Vance Kirkland Foundation. A walking tour of the exhibition, led by Katharine Smith-Warren and free to the public, will be held Friday, August 25th at 6:30 p.m. The exhibition will be open at the Center for Visual Arts, located at 1734 Wazee St., through October 21st. Hours are Tuesday- Friday, 10a.m. to 5:00p.m. and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. In late 2000 and early 2001, the exhibition will travel to the Loveland Museum and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. Group plans to build alien embassy Toby Donar The Elohim, Hebrew for "people who came from the sky," are planing a return trip to Earth and they need a place to land. Sure, there are plenty of airports, abandon airfields and wide open spaces, but don’t they deserve better? An embassy near Jerusalem perhaps? What about an embassy in Denver, or anywhere else for that matter? The Elohim will not be alone on their return visit. Jesus, Moses, Buddha, and Mohammed will be riding shotgun. According to literature distributed by the Raelian religion, the prophets are being kept alive and well on the Elohim’s planet thanks to cloning. Nadine Gary, who recently conducted a seminar on the Raelian religion at the Woodbury Branch Library in Denver, said money is not the current problem they are facing in order to build the embassy. "We have raised $7 million for the embassy," she said. "The problem with building the embassy is not money, but finding land. We would like to have it completed within 30 years if the population of Earth wishes. The Elohim never impose," she said. "The embassy would be proof of our love and trust." According to the Raelian web site at www.rael.org, the Raelian religion began on December 13th, 1973, when a French journalist, Rael, was contacted by a visitor from another planet in the volcanoes of Central France. The extra-terrestrial’s message....."we are the ones who made all life on Earth, you mistook us for gods, we were at the origin of your main religions. Now that you are mature enough to understand this, we would like to enter official contact through an embassy." The extra-terrestrial who contacted Rael was described as about four feet in height with long, dark hair, almond shaped eyes and olive skin. Seems he had a sense of humor as well. "(Life) is a deliberate act, using DNA, by a scientifically advanced civilization who made human beings in their own image," according to the web site. It’s what Gary referred to as "scientific creationism." Like most religions, Raelian has its beleifs with respect to eternal life, and the Raelians believe their ticket to eternity is cloning. After scientists recently were able to clone a sheep, Rael believes people are not far behind. "This landmark event in human scientific history made it clear that very soon the cloning of human beings will be possible," according to a postscript of Rael’s book, The True Face of God. Rael has even started his own human cloning company, Clonaid. "Here, as on the Elohim’s planet, the number of clones will also need to be limited to one per individual and then only after death," Rael said. So where do we build an embassy for the return of scientist from another planet who created all life on Earth using DNA? Raelian representatives have requested the embassy be built as close to Jerusalem as possible. "They wish to descend and land inside the embassy in front of representatives of all the world’s media and be open to everyone," Rael said. "They will be able to come and go as they wish and control their own accessibility, rather than being controlled by anyone else." The plan is going quite well, according to Rael. "Raelian architects have already completed commissioned drawings for the complex of buildings," where the most "dramatic and extraordinary meeting" in history will take place among the world’s government leaders. Rael has made requests to the Israeli government and the Chief Rabbi in Jerusalem asking that extra-territoriality be granted so the Elohim may build their embassy close to Jerusalem, where the first human beings were created. "The first temple of the Jewish religion was in fact a previous embassy around which the ancient city was built," according to Rael. Israel has yet to respond. If Israel will not cooperate, Rael has another plan. "The lower slopes of Mount Sinai would make an excellent alternative choice," he said, "since that is where Yahweh, the leader of the Elohim, first appeared to Moses." Gary explained the reason that people misinterpreted the Elohim for God was that at the time the extra-terrestrials appeared, man was too primitive to understand. "When people said God, they were actually speaking of extra-terrestrials," she said. "But they had no way to say ‘extra-terrestrial.’ Extra-terrestrials are God because they were able to create life scientifically." Without the embassy, free air space, and a sense of neutrality, the arrival of the Elohim could be disastrous world-wide, according to Rael. "They are not invaders," the web site claims. "They have shown their desire to come, but they respect our choice to say no.It is up to us to invite them-and our invitation is the embassy. It’s the least we can do." |
| metrosports Roadrunners in for ‘tough test’ by Nick Garner For the first time in four years the Metro State men’s soccer team will not bear the name Jared Zanon. Zanon ended his four-year career at Metro as the all-time leader in goals scored (39), total points (87), and game-winning goals with nine. He also led the team in total points for three consecutive seasons (97-99). The good news is that there will be more of a balance in scoring for the first time in four seasons and opponents will not be focusing in on just one person. "You will see more distribution of goal scoring," said Brian Crookham, head coach. "For once, we won't have to rely on Jared to score goals. "We have more players who can score that will make this year's team more well rounded." Senior Chico Hooper feels that it will not be just one person picking up the scoring with the absence of Zanon. "I don't know if someone could take his place, Jared was a strong player, had great speed up front," Hooper said. "With all of the new people, the team is evenly matched, anyone can step up and score." The Roadrunners will go into the 2000 season with a schedule that includes the NCAA national runners-up and eight other teams that at one point in the 1999 season were ranked in the Top 25 in the nation. "Fort Lewis is always tough to play and it showed with them ten seconds away from being national champions." Crookham said. "We play at St. Edwards (Texas) and we will see over 1,500 people in a hostile environment and they lost to Fort Lewis in the NCAA tournament last year. "Southern Colorado had the best year ever and they were close to be added into the tournament and West Texas A&M is always in the Top 25, but at least we get them at home this year." The conference will be a tough test for the Roadrunners. Hooper agrees with his coach about Fort Lewis being the preseason favorites, but he feels that another team will be tough. "(CU-Colorado) Springs will be a fairly strong team," Hooper said. "Then I hope that it will be us behind or in front of Fort Lewis." One of the areas that Crookham wanted to improve on was the mental focus of the team. After starting the season 7-4, Metro proceeded to lose four of the last six games, and squeaked into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament for a second consecutive season. "Our one weak spot was that we were not mentally focused towards the end of the season," Crookham said. "We now have players that have played at high levels of competition that can help us physiology throughout the season." Hooper agrees with his coach and approves of the changes that were made in the off-season. "I’m comfortable with what changes coach has done," Hooper said. "The picks that he had last year were also good, but this year, everyone is on the same page and gives us more time to work on other things." Crookham has recruited players from all over the world: University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Northern Oklahoma Junior College, Richland J.C. (Texas), Colorado Christian University and even across the ocean in Stockholm, Sweden. The Roadrunners start the season hosting the Mile High classic at Auraria Fields Aug. 25-26. Field Bat Soccer teams shoot for RMAC goal by Imthiaz Hopkins As August rolled around the Metro women’s soccer team was anxious to get back on the field. "This is the best fit team that I’ve ever seen come in," said head coach Ed Montojo. The Roadrunners lost eight seniors last year and look to reload rather than rebuild. "We have 25 girls on the roster and only four seniors, we look very strong," Montojo said. Players like Kari Pierce (11 goals, 13 assists) and Tarena O’Neil (7 goals, 6 assists) might be hard to replace but the Roadrunners will be able to distribute the ball more. "We will be more balanced and our depth is solid this year," Montojo said. "We’ll be able to strike more and we have players that are versatile and can play more than one position." The Roadrunners will face tough competition this year playing three teams ranked in the top twenty in the nation. "It will be very challenging to us because these teams are bigger and stronger," said tri-captain Julie Zanon. Zanon thinks that it’s great to start the season out on the road so it will better prepare them for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Zanon’s teammate and fellow captain Jole Wilson feels excitement towards the new season and her teammates. "Playing ranked teams will give us confidence and give us more options," Wilson said. "This year the attitude is different and the competition is high because we are all working hard, the person that comes in behind you is going to be just as good as you." The Roadrunners also have added some new faces to the sideline. Former player Ariana O’Neil has come back from coaching in Florida to help out and former goalkeeper Kelly Johannes is back for another year. "It’s strange coming back as a coach and seeing the faces that you used to play with," Johannes said. "The season looks promising and this year the girls are very supportive of each other." O’Neil said that they have made minor adjustments that help the team mesh well so overall they will be strong. The Roadrunners start the season playing at Central Oklahoma on Aug. 25, and won’t be back to Auraria Field until Sept. 2 against St. Mary’s. "We will miss the seniors from last year but the year is really going to be exciting," Montojo said. CU Buffs football might be a ‘sleeper’ John Mossman Associated Press BOULDER, Colo. (AP)—Gary Barnett hedges about the prospects for his second Colorado team this season, hinting that his squad might be a sleeper. The coach is very sure of one thing, however. The 24th-ranked Buffaloes will know quickly how good they really are. Their first six opponents constitute a modern-day Murderer's Row. After opening with rival Colorado State, which shocked the Buffs 41-14 a year ago, they face No. 15 Southern Cal, No. 13 Washington, No. 8 Kansas State, Texas A&M and No. 7 Texas. If the Buffs can settle on a quarterback and solidify their offensive line, they just might be up to the daunting task of surviving what one national publication has called the nation's toughest schedule. "Everybody knows we have a rugged schedule," Barnett said. "We don't have time to grow up. We have to be game-ready early. We're playing a team that's ranked ahead of us already in the opening game." Referring to Colorado's previous stranglehold on its series with Colorado State and last year's wakeup call, Barnett said, "That game has taken on a little different stature for us. We're going to give it its due respect." Barnett insisted his team "has a chance to be really good. I think we could be a sleeper in this whole thing. You can be overwhelmed with our schedule initially, but I think we've got a chance to sneak up on some people." The biggest question lies at the most visible position. Returnee Zac Colvin and junior-college transfer Bobby Pesavento came out of spring drills in a dead heat for the starting quarterback job. Colvin, playing behind Mike Moschetti last year, started one game, engineering a 16-12 win over Iowa State to become only the second freshman quarterback in school history to lead CU to a victory. He completed 23-of-43 passes on the year. Pesavento, who originally enrolled at Miami of Ohio, completed 146-of-269 passes for 2,444 yards, 22 TDs and 12 interceptions for Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College last season. Shawn Watson, who replaces Tom Cable as offensive coordinator after the latter departed to become head coach at Idaho, said both quarterbacks are "big guys with strong arms and good agility. Colvin probably has a little bit more velocity, and Pesavento has better touch." Whichever player emerges — and Watson says don't overlook highly recruited freshman Craig Ochs —there is no shortage of candidates to get the ball to. The receiving corps includes Javon Green, who caught 40 passes for 663 yards and seven TDs last year; Roman Hollowell, Cedric Cormier and John Minardi, all of whom had at least 20 catches, and tight end Daniel Graham, who caught 19 for 264 yards and four scores. One of Barnett's primary goals in 1999 was to improve Colorado's running game, and progress was made, thanks in part to Cortlen Johnson, whose 835 yards rushing included 201 in a 62-28 romp over Boston College in the Insight.com Bowl. Johnson returns for his junior season, but he figures to be pressed for playing time by top recruit Marcus Houston, who played at Thomas Jefferson High in Denver. Barnett has no intention of making Houston sit and learn his freshman year. "I recruited Marcus to play," he said. "I hope both of them become just great, great players, and that it's a heck of a tandem. That's what I would like to have happen." The Buffs, 7-5 last season, will try to build on an offense that finished the year with three 500-yard games, including 504 against Nebraska. Colorado's defense, which made dramatic strides in the second half of last season, is solid in the front seven, but three starters have departed from the secondary — all of them drafted by the NFL. Jashon Sykes, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker, ranked second in the Big 12 in tackles as a sophomore (134) and led the nation in fumbles forced (7). "Jashon really didn't know the defense until the last five or six games of last year," Barnett said. "He's just starting to come into his own. Last year he had a good year. He could have a great year this season." CSU coach seeks bigger, faster, stronger FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Bigger, faster, stronger linemen. That's been one of Sonny Lubick's goals since he became Colorado State coach before the start of the 1993 season. His first season, the offensive linemen averaged 6-foot-2 and 282 pounds. Seven years later, the five projected starters average 6-foot-41/2 and 310 pounds. The past three seasons, the Rams' starting linemen have weighed more than 300 pounds each. "Our coaches have done a tremendous job in recruiting these types of players," Lubick said Monday, citing line coach in John Benton, who played at CSU and in the NFL. "We have some players who have developed into outstanding linemen. And this year's young players might be the best crop of linemen we've brought in," Lubick said. His line strategy has paid off. The Rams suffered only 10 sacks last season, the fewest of any Mountain West Conference team. Seniors Tim Stuber and Justin Borvansky and juniors David Shohet and Broderick Lancaster were starters last season and will return this year. Broc Finlayson, Morgan Pears and Aaron Green are battling for the fifth spot. Six of the seven top offensive line candidates are from Colorado. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Stuber, who will start at one tackle, is a former Northglenn High School player. He has started 24 games in a row over the past two seasons. Borvansky played at Horizon High in Thornton. The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder has started 18 consecutive games at center. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Lancaster also played at Horizon. He has started 19 games the past two seasons. Shohet, 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, is a junior from San Diego who started all 12 games last season. Finlayso |