2A
Wednesday, July 3, 1996
CAMPUS/AREA
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Pam Dishman / KANSAN
Mike Miller, Geeks on Wheels consultant, answers the calls of people with problems or questions regarding their computers. Consultants often make housecalls.
Computer rescue rolls into town
By Andrea Albright
Kansan staff writer
Geeks on Wheels, Lawrence's newest computer business, is riding into town to rescue computer users from drowning in information.
For $35 an hour, Geeks on Wheels will drive to customers' homes and teach them how to use a new computer, repair their hardware or software, direct them on or off the information super highway.
Geeks on Wheels is the brainchild of Dan Simons, director of new ventures at the World Company, the family business that also owns The Lawrence Journal-World and Sunflower Cablevision.
Simons said he was inspired by the problems he had learning to use his computer.
"I was wishing I had a smart friend who could come over and help," he said.
Simons started the business with a light-hearted approach to a serious problem. Computers have made their way into American homes because of their affordability and accessibility, but it is difficult to keep up with rapidly advancing technology.
"There's a ton of computers in the home today," Simons said. "People are swamped, and some don't have a clue. Now you can
call a geek, and we'll fix it."
Geeks on Wheels assesses problems over the phone before making a house call.
"If we don't think we can fix the problem, we won't roll on it," Simons said.
Simons said his employees were serious about the job, but understood the light-hearted concept of his company.
"My employees are technicians when they're at the office," Simons said. "These are people who live computers."
The University also offers assistance to baffled computer users through the Computer Center. The center offer group training and a consultation line. The information window at the center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.daily.
Jerree Catlin, supervisor of training at the center, said the center offered in-home service to students, faculty and staff for $22.50 an hour. Catlin said students could learn more by being walked through a problem over the phone than by having a technician fix the problem for them in their home.
Simons, fourth generation in a media family, started Geeks on Wheels in May. He said he hoped to capitalize on the large talent pools in college towns by opening branches in each city of the Big 12.
Big boom for fireworks stands
Although fireworks stands are big business in Lawrence,stand owners aren't necessarily in it solely for the money.
By Mallorre Dill
Kansan staff writer
Larry Bartz, owner of Bartz's Fireworks, at 31st and Kasold streets, has been in the fireworks business for about five years to teach his children about running a business, to obtain fireworks for his family and to make money.
"I basically got into it for the kids," he said. "So that they could learn a little about business and have fireworks too."
Bartz's Fireworks is one of the 17 stands registered to sell in Douglas County this year. By state law, fireworks stands are allowed to sell only July 2 though July 4.
Dirk Weld runs the fireworks stand for the Kansas Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization. He said many stands were out to scam the public.
"It's definitely a markup business," Wedd said. "But if I had a choice, I'd want to buy from a place that helps the community."
Wedd, who admitted he also marked up the fireworks, said many places marked
up fireworks by as much as 300 percent. Bartz, who said he didn't pay much attention to his competition when he priced his inventory, thinks locale is the key to a good fireworks stand.
"It's just like a convenience store," he said. "It's location, location, location."
Running a fireworks stand is hard work.
Bartz said he worked on plans for the stand every day for a month, but he said the intense work began last week.
"By Friday I'll be dead on my feet," he said.
Bartz opens the stand at 7 a.m. to prepare for kids who come at the crack of dawn. He doesn't mind the early start, he said. He enjoys the kids, and the fact they that they bring their parents back later. Bartz's stand closes at midnight.
Bartz bought about $5,000 of fireworks this year and said he hoped to gross $10,000 in sales.
All four of Bartz's children help at the stand. His daughter Kindra, 14, said she had learned a lot about business while working at the stand.
"I've learned about how you have to work really hard to make money," she said.
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks may be used within city limits from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m July 3, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. July4
Bottle rockets are illegal in Kansas, with penalties of up to $500 per violation.
Use fireworks outside in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
A responsible adult should supervise all activities. Never give fireworks to young children.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Bill questions same-sex marriages
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby to douse possible fires.
By Gwen Olson
Kansan staff writer
With the presidential election only four months away, candidates have placed a great deal of emphasis on family values.
The Senate is considering a bill, called the Defense of Marriage Act, that would give states the right to not recognize same-sex marriages. The bill defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.
Greta Ford, Jetmore graduate student and historian and publicist for KU Queers and Allies, said she thought Congress should focus its attention on other issues.
heterosexual marriages. There are other issues that are more important, like job discrimination."
Some people on the other side of the issue think that same-sex marriages should not be legal.
Rob MacRae-McKie, Lawrence graduate student and Queers and Allies director, opposes the bill but said he didn't consider it a serious threat.
"The Supreme Court has already ruled queer rights as constitutionally protected, and it cannot be taken back," he said.
controversial Amendment Two unconstitutional, stating that gays and lesbian's civil rights should be protected. Amendment Two was ruled to take away gays and lesbians' civil rights.
President Clinton has agreed to sign the Defense of Marriage Act if passed by Congress. Chris Hampton, Lawrence graduate student and officer for Queers and Allies, questions Clinton's motives.
The Supreme Court ruled Colorado's
"A large part of me believes he will sign this as an election ploy," she said.
Anthony Peleckis III, Laconia, N.H., junior, said that legalizing same-sex marriages would hurt family values.
"I think legalizing same-sex marriages would be another step toward a troubled future," he said.
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The University Daily Kansas (USPS 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods, and Wednesday during the summer session. Periodical postage is paid in Lawrence, Kan. 66044. Annual subscriptions by mail are $90. Student subscriptions are paid through the student activity fee.
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