The Daily Utah Chronicle

Could this be the year?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Since 1995, some amazing gymnasts have passed through the U gymnastics program. Names like Theresa Kulikowski, Melissa Vituj, Deidra Graham, Annabeth Eberle and Nicolle Ford all share one thing in common: They all left Utah without a national championship.

Utes will need to pull all its punches

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite their brilliance, Utah's Ashley Postell and Kristina Baskett cannot win the women's collegiate gymnastics national championship as a duo. Postell might be the two-time all-around national runner-up and currently ranked first in the country, and Baskett might have the 2006 uneven bars title to her name as well as a top-10 national all-around score, but Utah's most important gymnasts might not get all the attention.

Marsden key to Red Rocks' success

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

If traveling in the southeast region of the United States, a collegiate women's gymnastics fan could keep plenty busy with the rich gymnastics tradition that surrounds them. Reigning national champion Georgia is boxed in by Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Auburn and several other elite programs.

Red Rocks bring stiff competition to Georgia

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

ESPN is holding a fan-fueled quest to determine which American city should hold the moniker Titletown, U.S.A.

Someone should nominate Athens, Ga.

Athens is home to the Georgia Gym Dogs, three-time defending women's collegiate gymnastics national champions.

It's all about the little things

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

If the U gymnastics team wanted, it could drive itself crazy worrying about all the factors stacked up against it.

The Red Rocks' No. 2 national ranking and 20 top-three national finishes automatically put a target on their back. Improving on their back-to-back NCAA runner-up finishes also adds pressure.

Assembly approves $1.39 mil ASUU budget

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The ASUU General Assembly approved a $1.39 million student government budget for the 2008-2009 school year during its meeting Tuesday.

The approved budget includes renewed funding for KUTE, the U's student-run radio station, which has been off the air for two years.

Environmental program receives $2.7 million

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Environmental Humanities Program recently received a $2.7 million grant from the Kendeda Foundation.

The College of Humanities will use the grant to fund the Environmental Humanities Program. More than $1 million has been raised for an endowment to support the program.

Students upset over cancelled performance

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Students in the U dance department recently sent a letter to administrators protesting the department's decision to prevent a student with poor grades from performing in a national presentation in New York City.

Because Samuel Hanson, a sophomore in modern dance, isn't able to attend, his fellow performers aren't allowed to go either.

Bennion recognizes students service over the years

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Students and community members involved with the Bennion Community Service Center held an annual spring celebration Thursday, the day which Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. declared "Lowell Bennion Day." Bennion Center leaders began the banquet by reflecting on the past year and all of the successes and accomplishments the center has achieved.

U pledges to continue sustinability efforts

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Students, faculty and administration gathered beneath the broken windows and tattered bricks of the aging High Temperature Water Plant on Tuesday morning as President Michael Young took two of the U's greatest steps toward campus sustainability: cutting the ribbon on the steam cogenerator energy system and signing the American College and University President's Climate Commitment.

USTAR brings researchers to U

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After the Utah State Legislature passed the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative in 2006, which provides annual research funding for the U, fossil energy researcher Brian McPherson was one of the first faculty members hired with the funding.

McPherson, who graduated as a doctorate student in geophysics from the U in 1996, worked at a small engineering school in New Mexico after graduation.

Looking forward: Construction update

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Carolyn Tanner Irish Building

The building will house the departments of history and philosophy as well as the Asian and Latin American Studies Programs. The Tanner Humanities Center will also be housed in the new building.

Construction began almost two years ago and is nearly complete.

Looking forward: Library construction to be complete in July

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Renovation of the Marriott Library is scheduled to be completed by the end of July, just in time for returning students and staff to take advantage of the new space starting Fall Semester.

Construction began in March 2005 when the library was declared seismically unsafe, and the Utah State Legislature funded the $48 million necessary to start the updates.

Looking forward: New security committees replace task force

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After the Virginia Tech massacre left 33 dead in April 2007, university administrators nationwide were asking themselves the same question: are we prepared for a large-scale emergency?

U President Michael Young was among that group of leaders, but he had more to consider than many of his peers outside of Utah because of the issue of concealed weapons on campus.

Looking forward: U to continue examining Dixie partnership

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A task force examining a closer affiliation between the U and Dixie State College might release recommendations to both schools' presidents this summer, but leaders said changes might not come for a few years.

"We're a long way (from) determining what is a good thing for Dixie State College and the University of Utah, and a long way from knowing when the best time to make changes might be," said Chuck Wight, U associate vice president for academic affairs and co-chair of the task force.

Residence Halls to offer diversity education

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Beginning this fall, the U's Residence Hall Association is hoping to introduce diversity education to students living in student housing.

Administrators at the Residence Halls began incorporating social justice education into the leadership training program for residential advisers in the fall of 2007.

Football: Utes prepare for bright season

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Head coach Kyle Whittingham and the U football team weren't exactly satisfied with how the 2007 season turned out. However, considering the hand they were dealt, maybe they should be content with the outcome.

The Utes found themselves in an early hole -- both health- and record-wise -- after their opener against Oregon State.

Men's Hoops: Runnin' Utes set to dominate next season

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Just the same as the past few years, the Runnin' Utes are awaiting a return to prominence and, potentially, postseason play, and that doesn't include the College Basketball Invitational.

Last March, athletic director Chris Hill brought in his "right man" for the job.

Women's Hoops: Record-setting season good starting point

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For the U women's basketball team, 2008 will be a year remembered for its exhilarating highs (going undefeated in MWC play and reaching No. 12 in the rankings) and crushing lows (losing both of its postseason games). Indeed, it was a rollercoaster for the Utes, who finished at 27-5.

Soccer: Manning and Co. ready to unleash fury on helpless MWC

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Glance at the U women's soccer team's 2007 schedule, notice how it went 13-5-4 and you'll likely conclude that the Utes had a solid season. You'd be right. However, to coach Rich Manning and the upwardly mobile Utes, it wasn't nearly good enough. Last season marked the first in six years that the Utes didn't get invited to the NCAA Tournament, even though they seemed like a shoo-in in October.

Sine: Farewell, old Chrony

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Ten years before my employment as a photographer at The Daily Utah Chronicle, I was the 8-year-old little girl who sat in the corner of The Chrony office with my sister, watching TV, as my father did his work as the photo editor of the paper. It was 1992, and he was that man who brought his children to campus.

Thompson: Thank-ya Dubya

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Before I leave the Chrony's annals forever, I'd like to pay homage to the man who inspired many of my rants (I know, so few of them lately -- it's fatiguing, but maybe I can catch on at a blog when I get the itch again). Without Dubya, I may have never found my voice, but alas, he was there to fuel my fire.

Breton: What a great trip it's been

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I couldn't find it anywhere. It's strange, because as an investigative reporter I've been trained to find things -- both documents and people -- for information I need. But I couldn't find it. That one thing that would show me how much I've changed -- from the person I was when I first came into the newsroom three years ago to the person I am now.

Mayorga: Flipping papers to pursuing stories

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When I was 12 years old, my parents were supportive when I told them that I could work part time and still get good grades. They gave me permission to get a job on Sunday mornings selling newspapers. When I was 14, I was given a more difficult assignment of selling newspaper subscriptions to customers outside of grocery stores six days a week.

Chronicle's view: Thank you, everyone

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

We at The Daily Utah Chronicle are lucky to be able to do what we do -- to publish the paper as we see fit for people everywhere to read. Not all college journalists (see the school down south) have the opportunity to be a part of an independently published paper, and for that, we have a great deal of thanks to give this year.

Ten most-read stories of '07-'08

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

1.) Russian Mafia in bed with Wall St., CEO says (3/5/08)

2.) Football: Catching up with Eric Weddle (2/13/08)

3.) Student told to conceal his firearm (12/7/07)

4.) Gordon Monson misfires (11/12/07)

5.) Students relieved by professor's dismissal (4/15/08)

6.

Local artists shine at the stroll

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Salt Lake City's monthly gallery stroll, happening Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at participating art galleries, is something that everyone should go to at least once. Like many others, you might even find the event addicting enough to attend every month.

First of all, the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll is proof that Salt Lake City does, in fact, have a thriving, local art scene -- in case you thought otherwise.

The Inevitable Rise of Saul Williams

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Saul Williams boards a busy, New Orleans elevator. "Hold on. If I lose you, I'll call right back." The signal buzzes before Williams's born-poetic voice fights back through the static, "My first love was hip-hop."

Growing up in rural New York in the '80s, hip-hop became more than a soundtrack for Williams.

The Word (4/23): Chronicle's guide to the SLC music scene

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

April 24
Loom
$6
5:30 p.m.
Kilby Court
(741 S. 330 West)

Labels like "post-hardcore" and "alt-hardcore" do little justice to a group like Loom whose ear-tingling aesthetic is impossible to distill into one- or two-word music tags. Grafted from other projects based in and around the Salt Lake Area (including Harmon's Heart, Her Candane, Trojan, Michigan, I Am The Ocean and Farewell My Enemy), Loom's intricate guitar work, electric viola and overall synergy have the beehive in a buzz from their debut EP, Angler.

Working Dog Barks Its Last

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The final Working Dog reading of the academic year will take place at the Salt Lake City Arts Council's Art Barn on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The Working Dog series of readings is a monthly event, coordinated and staged by graduate students in the English department.

Dramatic Agenda

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Scandal, politics and a sound fiscal policy? Yes, please! "Treasure," the original play by U theater faculty member Timothy Slover, opens tonight at Studio 115 of the Performing Arts Building.

Based on the true story of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, Slover's play presents 18th century politics in all its adulterous and conniving glory.

'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' is gold

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Previews, as we know, often lie. They dress themselves in control-top pantyhose -- short clips, sexy music and the only four minutes of the movie that were funny -- and hide their flabby figures long enough to lure us into the bedroom.

Previews also know that once we're sold, we'll seldom summon sufficient motivation to demand our money back or even storm out of the bedroom.

Man Man to tour like a mad man

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Man Man vocalist Ryan Kattner has the secret for those about to spend the majority of their summer touring.

"You ever seen 'Cool Hand Luke'?" asked Kattner. "That scene where they put Paul Newman in the hot box? Well, that's what we do to prepare for tour.

Red Herring: Crazy weather committed to state hospital

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The wind, clouds, air, water, heat and cold of the state of Utah were rounded up by state policemen late in the day on Wednesday and committed to the Utah State Hospital -- the state's mental institution -- in order to begin a treatment program for what the state police described in a statement as "erratic, wildly destructive and nonsensical behavior.

'The Counterfeiters' explores layers of human nature

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Holocaust is a popular topic for German (or in this case, Austrian) filmmakers for a variety of reasons. For one, the Amis (that's us) take a German film seriously if it's about the Holocaust (this one even garnered the Foreign Film Oscar). They're surrounded by the history of it, by a wealth of documents and landmarks.

Dance Me Crazy

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"I was arrested for doing butoh on the street a few years ago and sent to a mental hospital for a day," said recent integrated arts graduate Arwen Ek.

"I was easily misunderstood, perhaps, on the sidewalk of downtown Salt Lake City for an escaped convalescent," she said.

Hellfire and Damnation -- The German Way

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Finals are upon us, and who isn't lamenting the stress and the mayhem? Luckily, the Utah Symphony is providing us all with a means of expressing our annoyance. It's loud, ancient and in Latin. "Carmina Burana" is here, ready to ring in the joys of spring and the madness of money with intense monastic screams.

The Drop (4/17): Chronicle's guide for the music store

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

April 17
Lucky I Am (of The Living Legends)
$8
9 p.m.
The Urban Lounge
(241 S. 500 East)

The fashion-savvy Luckyiam PSC is a member of the Cali-based, underground, hip-hop super group known as The Living Legends. Lucky is easily distinguished from his legendary brethren by his white, '60s era sunglasses and playful sense of humor.

Five reasons to get off your couch (4/17)

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Thu., April 17
SLCC Community Writing Center Presents: Writing, Racism and Taboo Language
Free
6 p.m.
SLCC Community Writing Center, (210 E. 400 South, Suite 8)

A "taboo" is defined as any act, condition or type of physical contact that, if undertaken or manifested, could result in adverse consequences for the well being of a given community.

Sexy operetta mixes old, new styles

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Voltaire wrote his novella Candide more than 200 years ago. Leonard Bernstein wrote his operetta by the same name about 50 years ago, and several versions of it exist because Bernstein is one of those composers who is never satisfied. Voltaire's novella is a small book where no one sings, and Bernstein's piece is "a large operetta in which almost everyone insists upon it.

Horoscopes (4/17-4/23)

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Do you ever watch the "Justice League" (I do hope I'm not the only one up at 2:30 a.m. watching cartoons)? Good. I want you to use them as your model this week. Wherever someone is in need of your assistance, you and your friends should be there to offer it.

Red Herring: Wizard King ends tour of U.S.

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Move over Gandalf: There's a new wizard in town!

Ending a week-long tour of the eastern United States, the Grand Magical Wizard King -- known to mystics by his native wizard title "Pope Benedict" -- held what many in attendance could describe as "a magical event" inside Yankee Stadium.