4A the university daily kansan
opinion
tnursday, august 28, 2003
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editorial board
Put alcohol back where students can be safe
It is hard to believe that just a few years ago the University of Kansas had its very own bar in the Jaybowl. That's right. The University, like so many other college campuses, allowed students 21 and over to enjoy a beer in the student union.
This has not always been the University's alcohol policy. Throughout the years, the University has implemented many different "social norms" campaigns to curb drinking-related injuries. The University has tried everything from having greek chapters pledge to be alcohol free, to the "0-5 drinks" posters found all around campus.
So far, all of these attempts have done next to nothing to decrease binge drinking at the University. The worst campaign was eliminating a safe place for students to drink on campus.
The justifications for banning the additional revenue source are weak and need to be reconsidered.
The crackdown on alcohol was a direct result of a fatal drinking and driving accident that occurred off campus. What the administration doesn't publicize is that this accident did not stem from drinking at the jaybowl. In fact, it quite possibly could have been prevented had the student been drinking in a place such as the student union, because most students live within walking distance or can catch a bus to get home safely.
safety. Regrettably, the driver in the accident had been enjoying a night out at an off-campus location. Consequently, the University's quick and initial response was to prohibit any further drinking on campus by students. This was not the best response.
The most recent campaign has been the "0-5 drinks" strategy that was recently said to be ineffective by administrators. Additionally, a Harvard University study concluded that binge drinking on campuses participating in these campaigns did not decrease, and, in some cases, drinking increased on campus. This proves the University needs to come up with a better plan.
better plan. The University should allow alcohol back in the Jaybowl. It's best for students because they don't have to be responsible for finding a designated driver or for paying the cost of a cab.
It would even be an additional revenue source for the University to combat the stifling tuition. Not to mention, this would be an excellent way to revitalize the Hawk's Nest and to increase student traffic to the newly remodeled Kansas Union.
Let's get the facts straight. The University of Kansas campus is surrounded by bars, and students can tailgate at football games. College students drink excessively, and sometimes drive intoxicated, despite free transportation options such as SafeRide.
If the administration wants an effective plan to decrease drinking-related accidents, it should open the doors of the Jaybowl, the safest place for students to enjoy responsible drinking.
Amanda Flott for the editorial board
wade's view
Jen Wade/The University Daily Kansai
perspective
Elite Aviator G. W. Bush fails with scrutinous toy collectors
The Sept. 15 arrival of the "Elite Force Aviator: George W. Bush—U.S. President and Naval Aviator" dolls has sparked bitter debate in the action-figure community. Collectors have been squaring off in heated public debates trying to determine this new Blue Box toy's place in the toy world. The Hong Kong-based company generously forwarded advanced copies of the Bush action figure to the media for the purposes of evaluating it.
I have compared and contrasted Aviator Bush with my own toy collection. Most of these toys haven't seen the light of day since the Reagan administration, but I had to see how they would compete against Aviator Bush. Let's dissect whom the president's action figure has been up against lately:
1. George "Aviator" Bush vs. Optimus Prime
Like all Transformers, Optimus Prime enjoys the ability to change from his usual robot self into an ordinary device that the human eye tends to overlook. (When he turns into a weapon of mass destruction, he's barely visible.) Aviator Bush demonstrates his own ability to shift between two states: pseudo-compassionate and neo-conservative.
Advantage: Optimus Prime proves to be more than meets the eye.
2. Aviator Bush vs. Malibu Ken
The day I heard Ken was "going Hawaii,"I was crushed. The heterosexual community had clearly lost one of
COMMENTARY
Ben McCarthy opinion@hansan.com
its leaders. Needless to say, Malibu Ken still made a great companion for Barbie despite her revolving, insecure phases (who can forget her dreaded "Gangsta Bitch Bitch" phase, involved in an abusive relationship with *Daredevil* star Colin Farrell). Aviator Bush swears he has "never been to Hawaii." Hmmm. The cowboy hat... the boots... who are you kidding, George?
He-Man, aka Prince Adam, did a fantastic job of keeping his true identity a secret from his father. Aviator Bush failed to keep secret the fact that he rode Roger Ailes, captain of the S.S. Fox News, into office. He-Man gets points not only for being able to keep a "secret," but also using correct subject-verb agreement ("I have the power!") when intimidating his enemies, a la Hulk Hogan ("What's it gonna be, brother?").
Advantage: Malibu Ken and his penchant for leather boots.
Speaking of He-Man's "secret," only now do I realize how many positive homosexual protagonists were present during cartoons during my childhood
3. Aviator Bush vs, He-Man
Advantage: He-Man and his "friend," Man-at-Arms
4. Aviator Bush vs. Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes in New Jack City)
The Nino Brown action figure is a marvelous clone of Snipes during his blockbuster action days of the early '90s. Both action figures hold large amounts of unlimited, illegal power to wield at their disposal. If you pull on the Nino Brown doll, it reminds us that it's "Always business... never personal." When Aviator Bush is pressed to say something, he gets defensive and asks you to quit messing with his home state. Unfortunately, I did not have time to see if Aviator Bush could match Nino in a "how much blow can you snort" contest.
Advantage: Aviator Bush, by a (pow-
dered) nose
Conclusion: Aviator Bush does deserve a place in your toy collection. That is if your toy collection has a section reserved for toys whose toy father helped them get every job they've ever had (Note: for some, this section of your toy collection may be labeled as "Johnson County kids"). Still, I'd recommend that Blue Box Toys leave the Aviator Bush action figure as it. The only change I might make is to the toy's current classification. I understand wanting to call Aviator Bush an "action figure," but the word "puppet" seems to be a much more appropriate term.
McCarthy is a Lenexa non-traditional student.
'Kansan'report card
Pass:
- The Wellness fair: It was full of good stuff such as healthy free food and drink, body mass index testing and counseling on how to quit smoking. The CAPS booth was especially nice. As the first week of school winds down, we sure need it.
- On-campus mini-Target: The Target vending machine in Wescoe Terrace has all the necessities from deodorant to CDs. Even though it's another way to spend money on campus, it still beats driving out to their store at 3201 Iowa St.
Transmitters: Good idea, profs. Too bad we saw it on America's Funniest Home Videos 10 years ago. Except the audience got to vote with their transmitters.
with their transmitters.
- Slow Blackboard: This widely-used student portal works as often as you're on time for your 8 a.m. class. At least there's an excuse for late homework.
letter to the editor
While reading Mr. Weller's perspective ("Don't go through system without making change," The University Daily Kansan, August 25), I thought that he should have advised incoming freshmen to use that same activism and energy in the classroom.
Take initiative for real learning
How depressing to walk by a classroom filled with docile, submissive and mostly bored students as they patiently listen to some teacher drone on about some subject that is accepted as revealed truth.
Louise Stauffer / Kansan
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challenging the teacher when he/she mouths some platitude. Mr. Weller is right to encourage students to make KU a better place, but they ought tobegin in the classroom.
For real learning to occur, the student must delve into the subject and push the envelope of learning. This entails doing the homework, conducting independent research and
Study rich
Assistant director
Center for Russian and east European studies
Rav Finch
The Kansan welcomes letters to the editors and guest columns submitted by students, faculty and alumni.
The Kansan reserves the right to edit, cut to length, or reject all submissions. For any questions, call Louise Stauffer or Stephen Shupe at 864-4924 or e-mail at opinion@kansan.com
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Are they ever going to do anything with that old MixIxi restaurant? They should turn it into a night club.
it is Monday night, and I have only had one beer. I just heard and saw a monkey on the roofs of Massachusetts Street. I am indeed talking about a Massachusetts Street monkey. We do have a Massachusetts Street monkey on the loose in town. I think that is a fantastic idea.
it is Monday night, and I have only had one beer. I just heard and saw a monkey on the roofs of Massachusetts Street. I am indeed talking about a Massachusetts Street monkey. We do have a Massachusetts Street monkey on the loose in town. I think that is a fantastic idea.
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I am a virgin Free For All caller and I am a little nervous about what to say, I will get back to you later.
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I just found out that the Japanese word for nine is spelled K-U. So does that mean when the Japanese students on campus see the word KU they think of nine?
Nipple rings are awesome.
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What would do for a Klondike bar?
Would you give head to a hobo for a Klondike bar? Think about it.
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One of the most painful experiences of my life was when a guy threw a Fig Newton at my boob. Very high velocity. It was very traumatic.
Have you ever taken a pooh so big that you thought it was going to teer you in half?
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Is it wrong that I cry when I masturbate?
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I love boobs.
How does a blond turn on the light after sex? She opens that car door.
How could you think that profiling should be necessary for airport security? Do you remember the Cold War where people would be sent away just because they said he looked like a communist?
So I am sitting outside doing homework before class, and I see these things from the Kansan from Best Buy all over the place. This woman has to go and pick them all up and this sucks. People just need to throw away their own trash.
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To the critic of the jean shorts: Making fun of people's clothes is something you do in high school.
To the guy who thinks that jeans shorts are not cool, you are not cool. You are a loser. Oooooh. Loser. Loser. Loser.
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I want to say that I am not a freshman and I am not from a small town. I am wearing jean shorts because it is 100 freaking degrees outside.
Man, what do you want? What do you need? A ride somewhere? Whatever it is, whatever you lack, leave a message and I'll call you back.
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If you live on the fourth floor in any residence hall and have to take the elevator down, damn, you are lazy.
There are many things wrong with the world, and I experienced three of them tonight. One of them is having to share lanes with ten other people when swimming at Robinson. Another is rude Pi Phis who hold up traffic. The third is the really sucky country remix of Walking in Memphis that I heard on channel-something on the radio.
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The hot twins are in my western civ. class. Will you marry me? Both of you.
Screw Zeta Tau Alpha's Nationals. Girls, we still love you.
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