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Archive for April, 2010

ASUO Senate April 28, 2010

April 28th, 2010 by Lyzi Diamond

Again, CoverItLive hates WordPress. Click the link to enjoy.

ASUO Senate April 28, 2010

A UO History Lesson: Free Speech on Campus

April 28th, 2010 by Lyzi Diamond

In honor of EMU Director Dusty Miller’s retirement (see an interview with him in today’s ODE), I have been reading A Common Ground, a book by EMU Director Emeritus Adell McMillan about the first 50 years of the EMU’s history. In addition to lots of fun information about the building and surrounding culture, the book talks a lot about the ASUO and student groups, as the building and the entities that operate inside it have an inherent connection. I’d like to share something I found in this book, one of the many gems that are hidden in its pages:

One of the early public incidents involving radical student protest, occurred in late January 1969 in the EMU when U.S. Navy recruiters had scheduled table space to hand out literature and talk with interested students. According to [Richard C.] Reynolds[, Director of the Erb Memorial Union], a notice had been placed in the Oregon Daily Emerald that a “mock trial” would be held in the building during this time where students would try the recruiters for war atrocities. Radical students approached the table and put ona guerilla theater type trial that lasted for 45 to 50 minutes. Most of that group left and then a student “spontaneously attacked the table; doing damage and assaulting the recruiters.” . . . bit by bit the students told [University President] Johnson what had happened: the Navy recruiters had been manhandled and literally ejected by force and the protesters had burned the recruiter’s literature and the Navy flag.

The next part is the best part. I call it proof that the ASUO Senate, once upon a time, had balls.

The ASUO Senate took a strong position in opposition to the actions against the recruiters and passed a bill, titled “Free Inquiry and the Eviction of Military Naval Recruiters,” that stated:

WHEREAS: This University has repeatedly upheld the principles of free expression and free inquiry.
WHEREAS: Free inquiry is so vital to this University and any university.
WHEREAS: No man or group of men should sit in judgement upon and thereby limit or restrict ideas of another man or group of men.
WHEREAS: The recent forceful eviction of U.S. Naval recruiters from the Erb Memorial Student Union was a violation of and great discredit to these traditions of free expression and free inquiry.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The ASUO Senate condemns the actions taken by those involved in the eviction of military recruiters, as well as any other action taken by anyone to curtail the free exchange of ideas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The ASUO Senate proudly reaffirms the University of Oregon’s belief in freedom of expression and free inquiry and trusts that the actions taken by an intolerant minority may not be construed to reflect the official policies and practices of the University of Oregon.

A free and open exchange of ideas is one of the building blocks of a legitimate institution of higher education. It is one of a few delicate factors that are integral to a complete and legitimate collegiate experience. Higher education is not about the memorization of facts or getting good grades. It is about learning how to think critically, hearing different opinions on a variety issues and becoming a more informed world citizen. By silencing speech and ideas of those entities which we find offensive, we are “sitting in judgment upon” fellow members of our world community and working directly in opposition to the goals of higher education institutions.

The importance of free speech on campus is something the 1968-69 ASUO Senate knew very well, and it’s something for which the University community of 2010 should continue to fight. I tend to have a large amount of faith in my fellow students at this university. The ability to think critically on the issue of free speech is something that all of us are capable of.

In the words of John Stuart Mill, “If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.”

Just a thought.

April 27th, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

The ASUO is always looking for ways to get more people interested in their work. One of their biggest struggles is to get students to attend their senate meetings and learn what is happening with the I-fee. I think I have found the solution,  from CNN.com.

“Lawmakers in Ukraine scuffled with each other, throwing punches and eggs, as parliament met Tuesday to ratify a treaty with Russia that extends the latter’s navy presence in the Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula until 2042.”

Ukraine politics is off the hook! If this happened at just one ASUO meeting people would be lining up around the EMU to get into this show. Here is a video below.

*cough* Pacifica Forum *cough*

Spring Issue Online!

April 26th, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

While everyone was enjoying the lovely weather in Eugene this past weekend we were horribly trapped inside the office cranking out the newest issue of the Oregon Commentator. So check out the newest issue. Inside:

  • DIY Insurgent Article
  • Interview with Simon Gordon
  • Bathroom Architecture
  • And so much more!

Daily Emerald Ends Week With A Bang

April 23rd, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

Yesterday was Earth Day, this was celebrated on campus with a strong tabling effort in the EMU memorial quad. The Ol’Dirty decided to cover it with a front page picture of the events. Ironically the paper also includes a sixteen page housing guide, take that Mother Earth! Also yesterdays paper, which was distributed on Earth Day included the Scene section, a eight page insert in itself, which included such “Scene” worthy gems like “Each Picture’s Worth 1,000 hipsters.”

It didn’t seem like it could get any worse until I glanced at today’s Ol’Dirty featuring a front page article on KFC’s infamous Double Down Sandwich. Yes, the sandwich that substitutes fried or grilled chicken for buns is worthy of front page coverage in the ODE. The article even included a quote from  Jay Shaver, a manager at a Springfield KFC, calling sales “off the chain.” The article did not give a full review of the sandwich and chose to discuss the fat content of the sandwich. I am almost sure that the author of the news article did not even eat the Double Down. So here is a an actual review of the Double Down AKA Clogged Artery.

Some KFC executives had to have a meeting about this sandwich.

Last Thursday after a long morning of classes and homework I decided to go out with a friend and grab some lunch. After one quick joke of getting the Double Down we had already decided we were going to indulge in our carnivorous desires and try a bacon sandwich with fried chicken for buns. I ordered a Double Down meal and was soon enjoying the all mighty power of the sandwich. It was fried heaven. The buns were not exactly matched up right but I could have cared less as I took a bite after bite of pure cholesterol. The sandwich was a amazing pure and simple. The Double Down held the kind of beauty  that makes me wish  William Wordsworth was still alive to write a sonnet about it.

But then It was over and the food started fighting back. After consuming the meal I was immediately put into a food coma so strong I could barely get out of the car that drove me to KFC. While devouring the meat sandwich I forgot that I had an intramural soccer game in an hour. After a bitter struggle to get off the couch I got ready to play and headed out to the soccer fields. I felt fine for about 30 seconds into the game, then the Double Down started to gnarl at my insides. I do not think that KFC had in mind that some people would do strenuous physical activity after eating a sandwich with 540 calories.

Ten minutes later I was substituting myself out of the game in an effort to not pass out on the field. I spent the last minutes of the half trying to catch my breath and ease my stomach. By half time I could not take it anymore and lightly jogged to the water fountain for some refreshment . Before I could even get a sip of water the  Double Down was coming up. I projectile vomited the contents of my lunch behind some bushes next to the tennis courts. This caused the two women playing tennis right next to me to move over several courts.

The Double Down  should honestly have a warning from the Surgeons General on the packaging. It is the frenemy of sandwiches. If there is anything I learned from my KFC experience is that peoples should eat this sandwich at their own risk and that I need to chew more when I eat.

Tea-Bagger photos.

April 22nd, 2010 by Kiefer

Last week I stumbled across a gathering of Tea-Baggers on the streets of Eugene.

I didn’t bother to stay too long, but here is some quick photo coverage of the event.

Brooks wins most improved

April 22nd, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

Former University of Oregon basketball standout Aaron Brooks has won the NBA’s most improved player award. For those who do not remember Brooks at Mac Court he was the greatest player I have seen in my four years here at the UO. With outstanding speed and  leadership  Brooks lead the Ducks a championship in the Pac-10 tournament and brought the Ducks to the Elite Eight during the NCAA tournament during the 2006-2007 season.

So now the question is, is Aaron Brooks the best NBA player that the Ducks have produced?

Below is a video of Brooks dominating UCLA, who was #1 in the nation before they came to Mac Court.

Melinda Grier on the Way Out.

April 22nd, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

Melinda Grier the attorney in the middle of the Mike Bellotti pay out scandal is on her way out, and she is not leaving for ESPN. The controversy started when Bellotti resigned from the Athletic Director position after nine months on the job to become a college football analyst for ESPN. When Bellotti left he received a very healthy compensation package of $2.3 million or around $255,555 for each month as Athletic Director.

The outcry over a public institution paying millions of dollars in what is being called a “handshake deal” has become a source of controversy for the University of Oregon.  The deal was negotiated orally but never formally, written down or signed, similar to wagers one would make  a golf course only a million times more money. The UO is claiming that the compensation will come from the Athletic Department’s well endowed private donors.

Now the UO has a interm Athletic Director, no head basketball coach for it’s  new $200 million dollar arena and no general counsel. What a year to become president Mr. Lariviere!

ASUO Senate April 21, 2010

April 21st, 2010 by Lyzi Diamond

So, CoverItLive hates WordPress. Click the link to watch / play.

ASUO Senate Apr. 21, 2019

Let the shitshow begin.

April 21st, 2010 by Lyzi Diamond

According to Cimmeron Gillespie, who I just ran into in the hallway, the Pacifica Forum is no longer meeting at the downtown Baker Center. They will be having their next meeting this Friday at Agate Hall on 18th and Agate – namely, on campus.

Let the shitshow begin, I suppose.

OSU College Republicans >UO College Republicans

April 19th, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

The UO is not exactly known for it’s republican fervor on campus, in fact they barely exist. We have the College Republicans, who haven’t updated their blog since 2006 and are rarely seen on campus. OSU however has a College Republican group that is prominent on campus and frankly kicks ass.

The group went all out last week in it’s annual Second Amendment week celebration. To convey the awesomeness of the event I’ll leave it to the facebook event page to give a proper description.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Come join the Oregon State University College Republicans in a celebration of one of the most important rights we have as Americans.

Itinerary:
We are officially giving away an AR-15 rifle complete with hard case, 5 magazines, and 100 rounds of ammunition! We are also giving away a Benchmade Griptilian pocket knife. Buy your drawing tickets M-F, 10-4 in the MU quad.

Guest speakers: Kevin Starrett of Oregon Firearms Federation, 4th Congressional District candidate Jaynee Germond, and nationally syndicated talk show host Lars Larson will be in the MU quad on Friday, April 16, at 12pm!

FREE for students Gun Safety / Concealed Handgun License Class: Wednesday the 14th, 6pm, Milam Hall. Cost is $40 for non-students

Anyone interested is welcome to attend. We’ll be in the quad all week!

Now Lars Larson is not my cup of tea, but a raffle to win a AR-15 that is what I’m all about. Step up your game UO College republicans.

Incidental Fee going down.

April 19th, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

The Daily Emerald is reporting that the incidental fee will go down from $195 per term to $192 per term next year. It is small decrease but at least it is a step in the right direction. As Sen. Tiptino said the decrease is a “small victory.” If anything every UO student will have $9 extra in their pocket.

However this does not mean tuition at the UO will shrink by $9, in fact tuition will raise next year and will most likely continue to climb.

How will you spend your $9?

Sunday’s Best

April 18th, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

For all of those who are freaking out about upcoming midterms.

Highest Tide to Open Tonight, full feature inside

April 16th, 2010 by Ross Coyle

Trapped waist deep in mud with an ice-cold tide quickly rising, Kenny Phelps desperately cries out “Don’t leave me!” to his friend Miles O’Malley. Miles throws Kenny a tube of PVC and tells him to breath through it. The cold grey moon illuminates and casts a blue ambiance from the reflected water as Miles runs off-stage to find help. The house lights fade, and Kenny walks downstage, out of sight.

(more…)

Tooting the Horn

April 15th, 2010 by Drew Cattermole

If there is anything we love at the Oregon Commentator its booze, capitalism, and tooting our own horn.  With that being said, we would love for all of you to check out Devika Bakshi’s photographs at the Spring Mingle opening Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the Mills Center. There will be refreshments. Come support the art show and our gifted photographer.