When leaves leave: a report of campus collection policy
Date auction proves stripping does not always pay
CentrePeace SOA protest in Georgia
Kentucky College Democrats campaign across the Bluegrass
Election 2000 brings surprises, anticipation
Thom Kelly
Cento Columnist
The 2000 election results are in for what has been arguably the closest presidential race in 40 years. In the end, it will come come down to a matter of electoral votes. As this article was finished, the popular vote was 48 percent to 48 percent, with Gore leading the popular vote with 48,976,148 votes and 260 electoral votes and Bush following closely with 48,783,510 votes and 246 electoral votes. It has become obvious that whoever wins the popular vote in Florida with 25 electoral votes (following the recount) will be the next President getting the 270 electoral votes necessary.
After campaigns that shattered all spending records, a small group of exceedingly tight races was expected to determine power in Congress and decide which party will be in charge of implementing the new president's agenda for the next two years.
In some interesting races around the nation, the polsters were proven right.
Hillary Clinton won the New York Senate race, becoming the first sitting First Lady to win an elected office. She beat Republican Rep. Rick Lazio. This was one of the most-watched and expensive Senate races. By mid-October, Clinton, Lazio and one-time candidate New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani had spent $78 million.
The seat became available when Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan decided not to seek re-election after 24 years in the Senate. Lazio jumped into the race mid-stream when Gioliani bowed out, announcing he had prostate cancer.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman is now guaranteed a job after election day, no matter how the presidential race plays out. Lieberman won a third term as the U.S. Senator from Connecticut, beating out his Republican challenger, Waterbury Mayor Phillip Giordano. Few Republicans thought Giordano stood a chance of defeating Lieberman because the incumbent was highly regarded and because the GOP has not won a Senate race in Connecticut since 1982.
New Jersey Democratic Senate candidate Jon Corzine shattered spending records with an unprecedented $60 million campaign, but recent polls showed his Republican opponent, Rep. Bob Franks, who ran on a comparative shoestring budget of $5 million, pulling ahead. In the end, however, Corzine won the race.
In what was one of the strangest races in the nation, the late Gov. Mel Carnahan collected enough votes to beat out incumbent Republican Sen. John Ashcroft for the U.S. Senate seat from Missouri.
The incumbent Ashcroft was left running against a dead man after his opponent, the popular sitting governor, died in a plane crash on Oct. 16. By that time, it was too late to remove Carnahan's name from the ballot. No one had ever posthumously won election to the Senate, though voters on at least three occasions chose deceased candidates for the House. Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson moved up to succeed Carnahan. Wilson said he would appoint Carnahan's widow, Jean, to the Senate seat should her deceased husband win.
Republicans successfully defended nearly all their open seats, while most strong Democratic challenges to GOP incumbents never fully materialized. Before election night, most analysts agreed that Democrats needed to pick up three or four seats heading toward California, where a handful of GOP lawmakers were deemed most vulnerable.
The election outcomes mark the first time since the 1920’s that Republicans have held the House for four consecutive congressional sessions.
With no overarching issue dominating the political agenda this year, campaigns instead focused on a number of issues: Social Security, prescription drug coverage for Medicare seniors, education, gun laws, abortion and the environment.
The "character" issue also played out in a number of races, including a handful of districts where Democrats originally set their sights on ousting the 13 impeachment managers, or prosecutors, during the 1998-99 presidential impeachment saga.
In local elections, incumbent Republican Ernie Fletcher beat Democratic challenger Scotty Baesler in the 6th district, and Ken Lucas is the only Democrat representative for Kentucky as the other four districts were won by Republicans.
In the Danville city commision vote, Centre’s Head Athletic Trainer Jamey Gay received the most votes by far, and joins the other elected commisioners, Rayan Owens, Nancy M. Caudill and Tom C. Bryant.
In special issues, Georgetown decided to become wet and Berea to stay dry. The Louisville and Jefferson County government merger was approved. The Kentucky Rail Commission has narrowly been abolished. Back to top...
When leaves leave: a report of campus collection policy
Ryan Montgomery
Cento Writer
Where have all the leaves gone? The answer to this question lies in a campus policy that began with the Adams administration, and a tradition that has continued to the present. Many on campus are asking, is Centre's leaf collecting in the fall really handled in the most appropriate way?
The issue has drawn much classroom and pedestrian discussion over the last few weeks. For many, the primary concern is the noise pollution from the lawn machines–a great disturbance to the academic climate, whether class is being held inside or out. Professors and students from Olin, Crounse, Grant and Young Halls have expressed their dissatisfaction with the drone of the machines interrupting lectures and focus.
It has also been pointed out that our policy may not be the most environmentally friendly. Our lawns are sprayed at least four times a year with chemical fertilizer, while a significant portion of leaves are hauled away in trash bags, removing natural fertilizer. Moreover, the air pollution that is released from the six lawnmowers and four leaf blowers running several hours a day is a questionable practice.
Many feel that our current policy towards leaves isn't the most cost-effective, though no conclusive analysis has been done. The primary factor brought up in cost efficiency is the money used for fuel.
Finally, many pedestrians are concerned about the risk of walking around the lawn machines, the disturbance to conversation from the noise as well as the hazard and discomfort of breathing in the shredded leaf particles that are often emitted from the vacuuming machines.
The process by which the policy of leaf collecting is carried out is as follows: the campus is divided into three zones, which are maintained year-round by Physical Plant employees. Once the dew dries in the late morning or early afternoon, Physical Plant sweeps through with one of two lawn mowers that have a large vacuum collecting bin, sucking up the leaves. Later in the day, if a significant portion of leaves have fallen, a crew comes through with one of six lawnmowers to mulch up the leaves.
Previously, the leaves were vacuumed, collected and sent to Stephens Disposal Waste Management for use as mulch. Currently, with our new contractor BFI, it is unknown what is being done with the leaves that are taken from Centre.
At the moment, there are two main reasons for Physical Plant's daily collection of leaves. According to Ed Sullivan, director of the campus grounds crew, the primary concern is safety. Physical Plant wants to reduce the risk of injury to individuals, thus reducing the chance of a lawsuit against the college. The typical scenario is that a lawsuit would most likely result from an individual slipping on wet leaves resulting in serious injury. If this type of injury were to occur on campus property the college could be legally responsible.
The second major reason for collecting leaves daily, according to Physical Plant, is to make a neater campus appearance in our presentation to prespective students, Alumni and onlookers from outside the campus.
Since the leaf collection policy has become a subject of much discussion, it is projected that Student Council or College Council will be addressing the issue soon. Back to top...
Compiled by Ken Moore
$145 billion smokers' award upheld
MIAMI–This Monday a judge upheld the $145 billion verdict won by Florida smokers in July. Tobacco companies are expected to appeal again, arguing that a single payment of such an amount will surely send them to bankruptcy. Martin Feldman, a tobacco stock analyst with Salomon Smith Barney, said, "A brief perusal of the companies' balance sheets and accounts would indicate that they simply cannot pay $145 billion on a single payment." The judge did not agree.
UK scientists seperate Siamese twins
LONDON–Scientists worked throughout the day on Monday, attempting to separate Siamese twins, Jodie and Mary. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, Mary did not survive the operation that ended at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. Joined at the lower abdomen, both twins would have died without the operation. Mary was completely dependant on her sister’s heart and lungs because her own did not function. The operation was highly controversial, as it spelled certain death for Mary if her stronger sister was to survive. The parents of the girls opposed the operation, but a Court of Appeal determined that the twins could be seperated. After the court decision was made, the parents did not contest.
Giant deep sea creature amazes scientists
MADRID–Fisherman captured a giant deep-sea creature–a strange, light-emitting cephalopod. The taningia danae, an octopus-like creature, weighed in at 275 pounds, measured seven feet and is easily the largest of its type ever discovered. It will be preserved and displayed in a marine center whose most impressive cephalopod to date was a mere 140–pound example.
Something else for Tuesday's winner
NEW YORK–Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of South Park, have signed a deal with Comedy Central to produce Family First, which they describe as a subversive comedy series about the life of the next president. Although no casting calls have been made, the show is scheduled to debut on Feb. 28.
Ugandan ebola epidemic ender control
GENEVA–On Monday, the World Health Organization released the following statement: "Health officials in Uganda have contained an outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever Ebola, but are still monitoring people who have had contact with the 281 infected so far.” WHO disease outbreak coordinator Mike Ryan added, "A swift response from Uganda and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of international aid look to have halted the epidemic’s spread from the northern town of Gulu to Mbarara in the southwest."Back to top...
Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters, MSNBC
Date auction proves stripping does not always pay
Sarah Shively
Cento Writer
The Diversity Student Union held a date auction, which was attended by more than 120 students. The organization raised close to $500, which will benefit two community charities.
If you were looking for a good date, if you were looking for a good time or if you were looking for a good strip show, then the second annual DSU Date Auction was the place. Held Thursday, Nov. 2 in the Sutcliffe Ballroom, the Date Auction was a hit. Twenty dates, including two package deals, were auctioned off to the crowd gathered for the event.
The president of DSU, Morgan White ’02, and Andrew Smith ’03 hosted the auction. Each participant represented a different organization on campus.
The participants made their way to the stage to music of their choice provided by DJ Lucas Chestnut ’03. Unlike last year, it did not take long for the audience to get into the auction. The first participant, Jason Crosby ‘’01, was sold for $10. As early as the 4th participant, Lauren Van Horn ’03, a date was sold for $25, or as Smith put it "a quarter of a hundred dollars." Then the show REALLY started.
Brad Schultz ’03, the 5th participant, began the strip show by removing his shirt. The next participant, Solomon Parker ’04, proceeded to work the crowd, playing to those bravely sitting on the aisle. Once on stage, he stripped down to his boxers. If the crowd, mostly female, had not been interested in the show so far, this certainly got their attention. Daron Mills ’02, last year's highest individual sell, was determined to bring in more money than Parker, and thus also stripped on stage. He accomplished his goal, being sold for $23.
However, Mills could not repeat as the highest individual sell. This year, the distinction belongs to Matt Mooney ’02. Sporting a nice gray suit and only removing his jacket, Mooney brought in $38. Brandi Matherly ’02 was the highest female sell, going for $30.
The show was going so well and was so exciting that even the hosts became involved in the action. Smith, determined to buy Beverly Brooks ’01, put himself in the running. He, being the auctioneer, quickly ended the bidding on Brooks with his $15 bid, securing himself a date. As for White, she got some licking action courtesy of Matt Tatman's ’03 tongue.
Saving the best for last, the last date available was the three-for-one package of Carter Conley ’02, Joe Guthrie ’02 and David Line ’01. The bidding quickly became a two-way race between two sets of three girls each. The final price was $51, the highest overall sale of the night.
Overall, the auction was a rousing success. The total amount raised by the auction, including the admission charge of $2 plus all the proceeds from the dates, was close to $500. The proceeds will be donated to The Salvation Army and Project Christmas. With door prizes, hilarious emcees, great music and some brave souls who are willing to be auctioned off, the DSU Date Auction promises all-around fun for all who attend. Congratulations to DSU for a wonderful night of fun and excitement. For all those out there who have not made it to the DSU Date Auction, make plans now to attend this event next year. It is definitely a unique experience. Even if you walk out without a date, you still get one hell of a show. Back to top...
CentrePeace SOA protest in Georgia
Protest the School of Americas in Ft. Benning, Ga. on Nov.18–19 with students from Centre, UK, Transy UofL. About 12,000 people are expected to be at the protest.
CentrePeace is heading the efforts on campus to attend the protest, and the trip will be the organization’s biggest action this year. Contrary to prior reports the trip will cost only around $20, instead of the previously projected sum of $50.
This is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate against an institution that has brought much pain to Latin American countries, while uniting in a powerful and moving experience with people from all walks of life.
For more information contact Dr. Axtell, ext. 5245 immediately. Back to top...
Submitted by Ryan Montgomery
Amy Winters
Cento Writer
Faculty and students enjoyed the excitement of a non-partisan election return party.
The Politics Society gathered on Tuesday night on the first floor of the Warehouse along with faculty members and President Roush to watch the electoral votes. Everyone present partook of the snacks provided and tried to call the electoral votes of the states as they came.
Although the fliers posted around campus promised that the party would go on “from 7p.m. until all winners are declared,” hopefully nobody actually did that. The group attending was small but enthusiastic and, although most present rooted for one side or the other, everybody was very polite.
“This is a great non- partisan gathering,” said Shayla Lynch ’01. “We can come together, watch some good politics and eat some good chips.”
The participants were undaunted even though the TV screen on the first floor of the Warehouse turned all of the CNN reporters’ skin green and lips purple.
Professor Dan Stroup claimed that the group had been meeting to watch the returns come in since about 1984, whether it is a presidential election year or not, and said that the party usually has a larger group of attendants. The group was smaller this year because so many students were attending election parties for local and state candidates. Some students, like Sterling Sanders ’01, went to work for the news stations they had worked for during the debate.
Many students and professors were surprised by the way the electoral votes swung back and forth during the course of CNN’s broadcast. “States that have traditionally gone one way are going the other—there are some interesting changes this year,” said Dr. Stroup. Back to top...
Kentucky College Democrats campaign across the Bluegrass
Evan Westphal
Cento Writer
Last Saturday, members of the Centre College Democrats joined Kentucky Young/College Democrats' campaign bus tour in Lexington along with fellow members of the organization from the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Murray State, Western Kentucky University and the Young Democrats from Crittenden County.
Accompanying the bus tour was Jonathan Miller, Kentucky State Treasurer. From the outset, the mission of the tour was clear: to get the young people out in support of democratic candidates across the state.
Efforts included spreading literature at the UK/Ole Miss game on Saturday, then back on the road to Louisville assisting in the hard-fought campaign to elect Eleanor Jordan to U.S. Congress against Anne Northrup.
On Sunday, Madisonville and the campaign to elect Brian Roy to Congress for the 1st District of Kentucky welcomed the tour. The day's events included a parade through Madisonville. Mr. Roy pointed out that the students helping were of voting age and that it was an example of good democracy. Lt. Governor Steve Henry said of the youth of the state, "You are 18 percent of the population and 100 percent of the future." This was a call to arms that the students on the trip seemed to understand completely.
The trip concluded Monday with a distribution of literature across Paducah and press conferences at Murray State University for Roy and at the campaign headquarters for Joey Pendelton in Hopkinsville. Lt. Governor Henry and his wife, the former Miss America, Heather French Henry were also in attendance.
Excitement was felt among the students for the opportunity to get out in support. "I think we've done a lot of work for some really great democratic candidates who really wanted our help," said Lindsay Mullaney ’01, president of the Centre Democrats. Indeed, this excitement was enough to push the bus load of sleep-deprived students through the most intense of weekends.
Miller said, "This is the most important election of my life-of a generation. And the polls have never been closer." These are words that are felt strongly and promise to be fuel for newly burgeoning careers in politics. Back to top...