Opinion
United States First Amendment
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13,2009
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
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Putting stars on my living room ceiling was the greatest idea ever.
The most frustrating thing in the entire world is getting a yogurt with no pull tab.
Did anyone see the guy with the suit and bow tie on? I would like to get to know him.
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
Don't be silly: Wrap your willy!
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
I want to go streaking at the next KU football game.
Watching "House" is the only time I've ever thought, "Hey, that person would be more fun on drugs."
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
I have decided I need to lose 20 pounds before looking around for a booty call.
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
Bad idea of the night:
Playing PokerStars while studving.
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
Sometimes I wonder if people write things about me on FEA.
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
Why can't all men be like Edward Cullen?
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
The book I'm supposed to be reading for English isn't on sparknotes.com. I'm screwed.
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
I had to go buy condoms. Not because I thought I was getting laid, but because it has been so long that my stash is probably expired.
Is anyone willing to study with me? Better yet, study for
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
It's 3 a.m. and I'm not planning on sleeping anytime soon. Damn it,"Paranormal
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
I have lots to do today but my biggest goal is stealing some rolls of toilet paper from campus before I run out at
I almost owe my life to energy drinks, or at least my grades
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
Is it just me or does coffee always smell a little like dog noo?
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
How am I supposed to get any work done when the radio keeps playing songs that must be jammed out to?
--trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, in a University news release. "This expansion will enable the Lied Center to serve more audiences, especially schoolchildren."
EDITORIAL BOARD
Lied Center expansion supports art and culture
For 16 years, the Lied Center has been an exceptional provider of art and culture in Lawrence,playing host to nationally recognized performances and noteworthy public figures. The recently announced renovations and additions to the building will make the center an even better destination for dance, music and lectures. Supporting the arts in a downrodden economy should be lauded
"My goal for the Lied Center has been to touch more people and bring new audiences to the programs and performances," said Christina Hissen.
Hixson, a 40-year associate of Ernst F. Lied, was left as the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust. A gift of $2.5 million from the trust will allow the Lied Center to expand its lobby, add new offices and construct a new educational pavilion. Another new addition will tell the story of the Lied Center's namesake.
came to KU as a freshman in 1923," said Tim Van Leer, director of the center. "We'll also be telling the story of the Lied Foundation Trust, which was established upon his death. His foundation has donated more than $22 million to the University and many other educational, social and civic organizations in the Midwest."
"One of the most important things we will be adding is display and exhibition areas that will help tell the story of Mr. Lied, who
In addition to telling the story of one of our University's esteemed
KANSAN'S OPINION
The larger lobby will allow for better access to the seating area, concession stand and restrooms. It will also cut down on the congestion after performances.
alumni, the expanded lobby and education pavilion are worthy additions to the Lied
Center.
The new education pavilion will allow the Lied Center to continue its nationally recognized arts education program, which extends to children as young as three years old. Students in the School of the Arts will be able to learn from traveling performers in special master classes. The education pavilion will also allow audiences a chance to meet performers after their productions.
"I think that new classrooms will help a lot, because usually they
just try to do their questioning in the lobby where it gets really hectic after a show." Allison Craddick, Leawood senior, said.
Craddick is a part of the University Dance Company, a group that performs at the center every semester.
The additional office space will also allow the center to continue expanding and adding new jobs in our local community.
The Kansas Board of Regents will discuss approving this plan at their meetings Wednesday and Thursday. They should commend this expansion as it benefits the University.
The center has long been a highlight of the Lawrence and University communities. These new additions will guarantee its future as a first-class provider of arts, culture and enlightenment.
Clayton Ashley for The Kansan Editorial Board
CONTACT THE BOARD OF REGENTS TO SUPPORT THE LIED CENTER EXPANSION
Phone: (785) 296-4564
E-mail: Visit www.kansasregevents.org/contact.html
POLITICS
Renewing the Dole standard
When you think "Dole," you probably think of bananas. If not, you probably think of Bob Dole, former U.S. senator from Kansas as well as Republican vice-presidential and presidential nominee. He also served eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives and received two purple hearts for wounds sustained during World War II, which left his right arm completely paralyzed.
Even now, Dole is active in politics at the age of 86. He has a health care plan with fellow former Sens. Howard Baker and Tom Daschle, released by the Bipartisan Policy Center. This plan furthers a legacy of finding effective solutions to our nation's greatest problems, promoting common ground and not shying away from nuance.
Representatives in and of this state, however, seem to be falling flat in the face of the 'Dole standard.'
In the state legislature, the past and potentially ongoing debate about energy — the Republican support of coal fired plants in Holcomb, and the Democratic abstinence in favor of wind energy — has crippled legislative productivity during the past couple of legislative sessions.
to build one coal plant as well as something Democrats can support in return. Although the creation of new energy jobs could help offset the revenue shortfalls and the rising unemployment rate, Gov. Parkinson's plan falls short of solving either problem. Because of this, it remains obvious that a real solution has yet to be found.
Perhaps that's finally with, with Gov. Mark Parkinson's agreement
Despite Gov. Parkinson's proposal, there is little common ground to be found between the two parties. I could give a Jim Mora-style rant (just search "Jim Mora playoffs" on YouTube) about the use of hateful language towards other politicians, rather than the policies they support. Personal attacks destroy potential relationships between legislators that can be the only bonds between sides trying to reach a compromise.
Gov. Parkinson's insistence on higher admissions standards is another — and necessary — matter altogether.
of Regents that the state should pursue a goal of making the University of Kansas a top-20 school based on rankings, when research shows that undergraduate education available in institutions across the country are, for all intensive purposes, equal (and the rankings a complete sham).
Gov. Parkinson suggested in August to the Kansas Board
So let us renew the Dole standard. After all, our generation has been told countless times of how it will bring a resurgence of participation to civil activity given our involvement and interest in politics.
Don't limit your involvement. In Kansas, you only have to be 18 to run for political office. Offering an alternative, even to good representation, can make it even better.
In the words of Mohandas K. Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
And don't forget to eat your bananas.
Holmes is an Overland Park sophomore in political science.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Follow columnist
Tyler Homes at
twitter.com/
tylerholmes.
In Chet Compton's column "Liberalism versus conservatism" in Friday's paper, there was such an avalanche of wrongness that it's difficult to know where to begin.
Liberalism explained
The crux of his argument was that God gives rights to us, and that God is narrowly defined as the Christian one. Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, ratified under the Washington administration, states that: "The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
Jefferson made his own version of the New Testament that removed all references to the deity of Jesus. President George Washington refused to comment at all on his religion.
Many of the founders of this country were famously not Christians. President Thomas
Despite what Compton wrote in his column, the left does not see power as "residing in an omnipotent central government."
The power of the government is derived from the people, because in a democracy the government is the people. We choose our government every two or four
Though he quotes the Declaration of Independence, Compton fails to quote the Constitution, which begins with, "We the people of the United States."
years in what we call "elections." The right is just a little upset because in our last two elections it's become clear that the things that they stand for are not what the majority of Americans want.
In a more modern sense, liberals agree with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's notion that "necessitous men are not free men," while conservatives stand opposed to that sort of freedom. For a more accurate explanation of what liberals believe, I strongly suggest reading Roosevelt's speech at the 1936 Democratic Convention and President John F. Kennedy's speech "A Liberal Definition."
- Matt Baier is a sophomore from Topeka.
The ghost of winter fashions past...
JAMES FARMER
Ugg boots' popularity baffles fashion experts
W when I was a freshman in high school, all I wanted for Christmas
wanted for Christmas was a pair of chestnut-colored, classic short Uggs. As it was the gift-giving season, and Uggs were at their prime in American fashion, it was nearly impossible for my parents to find a pair, let alone in my size and the specific style and color I had been dreaming about for months. A week before Christmas, my dad found himself in the parking lot of the Oak Park Mall overpaying someone he had found on eBay for my dream boots.
In the fashion world, Uggs have been out since 2006. But, as in any industry, the fate of a product in the fashion market is ultimately decided by the consumers.
Erin Meyer, Lenexa senior, owns two pairs of Uggs. She said they were the perfect shoes for cold weather.
Despite their efforts, fashion experts cannot win their war on Uggs, let alone explain why they've remained so popular. So I decided to turn to the real experts; girls on campus.
"They're so comfortable and so warm," Meyer said. "They're tough, so I can wear them in all kinds of weather."
This may explain why Uggs continue to appear in our cold-weather wardrobes. But how have they managed, despite their furling, to sneak out of the closet in the summertime as well?
"This August I saw a bunch of girls wearing Uggs in 103-degree weather." Ashley Sosebee, Overland Park junior, said. "Not acceptable. You can't wear them with a miniskirt."
Meyer said it was acceptable to wear Uggs when it was 50 degrees or below out.
Uggs should never be worn when it's hot out. Not only is it tacky and out of season, but there is no way it's comfortable.
One of my biggest problems with Uggs is that they're too
warm. They keep you nice and toasty on your way to class in the winter, but once you get inside they make you sweat. Also, Uggs are overpriced for their quality.
Despite being designed for cold months, the colors run if they get wet in rain or snow. And even after following the cleaning instructions, my Uggs faded when I washed them. Eventually, the fur on the soles that kept my feet so warm got matted and came out, and the back seam on one of my boots ripped. This shouldn't happen to any $140 pair of shoes.
"I don't own Uggs because they're too expensive," Anna Bennett, Great Bend senior, said. "I love boots, I just think it's ridiculous to pay $150, for a pair."
If you like Uggs, but don't want to waste your money, buy a pair of cheap, fake Uggs: Fugs. Your feet will stay warm and you won't have to worry about damaging expensive boots as you trek across campus.
This winter, I'm investing in a pair of weather-proof riding boots as a fashion forward, alternative to Uggs. They're a classic staple piece, and because I know they'll never go out of style, I'm willing to pay more for a durable pair that will get me through many winters.
Esposito is an Overland Park sophomore in journalism and film.
Follow columnist
Alexandra
Esposito at
twitter.com/
TheHemlineKU.
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