George W. Bush: the uniter bringing progress to the American presidency
Napster is down...but not necessarily for the count
Cento earns many recognitions at state conference
Dilemma: To post or not to post
The controversy surrounding the Ten Commandments
Shaker Village to offer workshop in 19th century farming techniques
City commission okays a trial Post Office parking plan
Cary L. Hearn
Business Manager
On Monday, March 12th, representatives of Centre College went before the Danville City Commission to propose a parking request that would allow the Centre College community to park in an established 10- minute, flasher only zone.
This proposal came in reaction to questions raised by the student body and concerns addressed to Student Congress and the Campus Improvements Committee.
The final vote of the City Commission was a 3-2 vote in favor of a trial period, running through the end of this academic year, where students will be allowed to park in 3 spaces next to the Centre College Post Office for 10-minute flasher only parking.
The proposal presented before the City Commission stated that the section of Walnut Street from Harding Street to College Street is a high traffic area because of the presence of the Collage Post Office. Students often find it necessary to park here and briefly pick up packages, drop off laundry, and acquire necessary door entrance codes after term breaks.
With no parking allowed currently, this situation is causing congestion and chaos as many individuals park briefly in a haphazard fashion.
The proposal, presented by Wes Fugate '02, Jed Doty '01, Ashley Sides '01, Cary Hearn '01, and supported by Gary Bugg, and David Eberhardt consisted of the creation of five spaces next to the current Centre College Post Office. By limiting parking to one side of the street, it was believed that there would be less congestion to railroad traffic, and that the creation of spaces would cut down on the number of cars parked unlawfully.
Information and diagrams were presented by the Danville Police to demonstrate the dangers of having cars parked on both sides of Walnut Street, making it impossible for large vehicles to pass through the center. Allowing for parking will require about 60 feet of space and will reduce current lanes from about 13 feet to 10 feet from that area.
This concern was reiterated by the Fire Department and also the Railroad Detective who raised the concern that large tanker trucks could not pass if there were oncoming vehicles on the opposite side of the street. Each department believed that safety to the students was their primary concern.
The Commissioners were insistent on the matter of curbing parking on the side of Walnut Street where the fraternity houses are located. All parties involved agreed that this manner of parking created an unsafe environment not only for students, but also other vehicles.
Wes Fugate reminded the Commissioners that parking next to the post office continued to happen even with the recent increase of tickets, and that it was possible for this practice to continue into the future.
However, the proposal committee believed that by delineating several parking spaces next to the post office, it would be possible to stop parking along the fraternity side of Walnut Street, thus providing safe passage for large vehicles, and ensuring the safety of students.
The City Commission agreed that for the trial period to work, parking must be stopped on the fraternity side of Walnut Street, and students must only park in spaces in front of the post office.
Students of the proposal committee would like to urge the Centre College community to take a positive reaction to this new proposal, and to assist the student body by alerting community members that park outside of the fraternity houses that their actions could lead to the revocation of a parking zone in front of the post office. This revocation will lead to the ticketing of any cars parked in this area.
Under the request of the City Commission, Student Congress will continue exploring avenues to find a way of providing parking for students in front of the post office, with a possibility of creating an indention like the one found outside of the Olin building.
The proposal committee members were pleased with the outcome of yesterdays meeting, and the eagerness of the City Commission to hear their request. The collaboration between the school and community truly helped to facilitate the accepting of this proposal.
The next step in the process is to alert all Centre College Community members, by every means necessary, that parking outside of the fraternity houses is now illegal, and damaging to future proposals that must appear before the Commission.
The City Commission will rehear a proposal upon expiration of the current trial period, marked by the end of this academic year.
If there are questions or concerns, please contact Wes Fugate, or Jed Doty. Back to top...
George W. Bush: the uniter bringing progress to the American presidency
Les Fugate
Cento Writer
The past 90 days have been an exciting time for our country. We started to not only hear our politicians speak about bipartisanship but to actually work towards achieving it. Why has there been a sudden change of heart in Washington? The Uniteró President George W. Bush.
The refreshing stances of President Bush have proven to Americans that issues are important with this administration. Polls are no longer the most important part of the President’s morning briefing. Rather than focus on the scandals of the past administration he asks the nation to put the past behind us and get about the business of governing.
So, within his first 90 days in office, what has he done? According to Bush, his greatest work is in his education proposal. Democrats and Republicans alike laud this proposal.
His basic plan calls for standards for our schools. He demands that our tax dollars be used effectively and efficiently.
Many studies show
that American schools educate less than other schools
around the globe while Americans sometimes spend
more than twice what they do on education.
An exciting part of his education plan is his work
with higher education. His proposal includes increases in Pell Grants to fund college education, increased spending for traditional minority colleges, and increased spending for the National Institute of Health.
Bush also wants to give larger tax credits for college students and their families. His other help mechanisms include his idea centering around removing many of the penalties placed upon students and parents saving for a college education.
Bush is also placing more emphasis on our Defense Department. He is being fiscally responsible by developing a plan that will increase salaries of our service men and women this year and will increase other funding in subsequent years.
This department, which has been ignored and decreased most over the last few years, will now be restored to its proper stance. Back to top...
Napster is down...but not necessarily for the count
Jon Brasfield
Cento Writer
Napster was forced to come offline this month. In accordance with a court-ordered injunction issued on March 5, representatives from the nation’s top record companies submitted a list of 135,000 songs of which the popular song-swap system had to ban before it finally closed down.
For months now, Napster has been under fire from the Recording Industry Association of America for allegedly facilitating and promoting the illegal distribution of pirated music without proper compensation to the record labels. At first, the criticisms were concentrated in the media, but in December 1999, representatives filed suit, stating the potential loss of millions of dollars of profit.
Results of this ruling are widespread. Protest groups angered by the ruling have appeared in various sites around the Internet, some supporting a complete boycott of the RIAA (http://boycott-riaa.com), while others support the voluntary donation of money to artists whose music users have downloaded for free (www.fairtunes.com). The other side of the argument has also gathered presence on the Internet, with sites such as "Artists Against Piracy" (www.artistsagainstpiracy.com).
The largest response to the pressure on Napster, however, has been the rapid growth and quality of alternative file-sharing programs. As popular programs like Gnutella and Scour Exchange have fallen by the wayside, more user-friendly and less-policeable programs such as Aimster, iMesh and the AudioGalaxy Satellite have surfaced, providing downloaders more options than ever before.
As on the Internet, reaction from Centre students has been mixed. Some, like Rachel Bush ’03 are concerned with profits going to the right places.
"Of course I’m disappointed," Bush said, "but hopefully when all this gets sorted out, the profits can go to the people they belong to."
Others, like Berea Ernst ’03, accentuate both the positives and negatives of the song-sharing system.
"I see the music industry’s point that people are getting ripped off," Ernst said, "but on the other hand, I’ve found many of my favorite artists through Napster, who I wouldn’t have heard of otherwise. Napster was great, but I always felt a little guilty about using it. Just a little."
Whether or not students choose to let guilt interfere with downloading is still a choice, but they’ll have to go to other sources while Napster is shut down.Back to top...
Cento earns many recognitions at state conference
Stacy Hoehle
Cento News Co-Editor
At this year's meeting of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association, the Cento received numerous accolades for the hard work of the writers and editors who help ensure that the Centre community has an interesting, insightful and professional newspaper.
Ryan Bowe ‘02, Editor in Chief, and Daron Mills, ‘01, Layout Editor, accepted awards given at the conference in early March. They included:
For News Story, there were 39 entries. Stacy Hoehle ’04 won first place and Amanda Richardson ‘03 won third.
Of the four entries in the Infographic category, Bowe and Nic Barbato ‘03 won first place and Daron Mills ‘01 was recognized with Honorable Mention. Travis Stannard ‘01 had the 3rd place Original Illustration.
For Sports Game coverage, there were 12 entries. Mills was awarded Honorable Mention. For Sports Column, Benjamin Beaton ‘03 was awarded Honorable Mention out of 11 entries. In Sports Page Layout, there were 6 entries. Mills won second place. Bowe took the second place picture in Sports Photos of the seven entries.
Out of 9 entries, Tara Metts ‘03 and Richardson received second place for their Front Page layout, and out of 15 entries, Bowe and Richardson received third place for Feature Page Layout.
Bowe, Richardson and Mills had the second best Special Section entry, and Bowe was also honored with the second place Ad Design as well as a third place for her collaboration with Richardson to produce a Photo Essay.
The 2000 Cento staff was recognized as the second place overall newspaper layout team out of 10 entries.
The entire Cento staff would like to thank all the readers and supporters of the paper who provide the inspiration, stories, and interest that help make the paper a success.Back to top...
Dilemma: To post or not to post
The controversy surrounding the Ten Commandments
Michael Wilson
Special to the Cento
The integration of religion into public places and schools has been a long standing sensitive spot for Kentuckians and Americans alike.
In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled that a Kentucky law was unconstitutional because it made it mandatory for the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom.
However, in 1999, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to a bill that allows the posting of the Ten Commandments in government buildings, which includes public schools.
The ongoing struggle to incorporate religion into public school has most recently manifested itself in the state of North Dakota, where the legislature in Bismarck argued over one House and one Senate bill.
The House Bill, which proposes that a public school in that state could allow voluntary classroom prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance, was approved in a 53-44 vote on March 5. The Senate also approved a bill 44-5, to allow the Ten Commandments to be exhibited as a historical document. Both bills will now be turned to the opposite chamber for further discussion.
Work of states like Kentucky and North Dakota raise opposition because opponents of the bills site the Constitution’s so-called "Establishment Clause", which forbids official government establishment of a religion. The separation of Church and State was, of course, a main feature of the Constitution for the reason that its writers wished to avoid the possibility of an encroachment on personal freedom; the American counterpart of the Anglican church or another mandatory practice imposed on the citizens of America.
Many, however, share the sentiments of Rep. Mark Dosch, R-Bismarck, North Dakota, who on Tuesday said, "Why are some so fearful that our children may be exposed to God, or religion, or moral, or values in our school? It’s as if some horrible thing will happen to our children, if they’re exposed to something good." However, groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and those concerned with the preservation of complete religious freedom raised valid arguments.
Carol Two Eagles of Mandan, the Director of the ACLU’s Dakotas chapter, felt that posting the Ten Commandments in schools would elevate Christianity above other religions in schools. "This is not a Christian nation, and it never was. This nation was formed intentionally by people who meant to provide freedom of choice in religion, and this is vital." Although the first establishments in America were by the British Government, to profit from American tobacco , and British expatriates, for the explicit reason of establishing strict Christianity and the Ten Commandments, the remarks are still noteworthy.
Indubitably, many share the same opinion of Two Eagles and fear the domination of the United States by one alienating religion.
It is for the consideration for that division that Sen. Linda Christenson, D-Grand Forks, spoke, "Please, think about a child in a classroom where that is not his or her basis of their faith and religion and morality. Are you going to do that to a child? Is your faith so weak that it has to be exercised in this way?"
The school board of Jackson County, Kentucky echoed those sentiments when they allowed the voluntary posting of the Ten Commandments last year. Public works buildings in Indiana have also followed suit. The number of participants have slowly increased.
Few people also know that a display of Moses, the Lawgiver, holding the Ten Commandments is located directly above the Justices' bench in the Chamber of the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
Though this is a subliminal message to citizens that government, law and religion have a deeply interwoven connection, it does not affirm in the minds and hearts of American citizens whether posting the Commandments would have a beneficial affect on today's society.
Nationally, the debate over the extent of integrating religion into public schools will continue indefinitely in mounds of paperwork and wasted breath.
One item the nation can agree on is that the Nation will never unanimously agree on anything that questions the Constitution and personal freedoms of its constituents, for better or for worse.
For the time being, however, it seems that North Dakota has made a strong push toward allowing a religious influence in the state’s public schools. Whether Kentucky will be able to follow suit is still debatable, however the issue is currently a hot topic for Frankfort lawmakers. They will consider it further during upcoming assemblies.Back to top...
Shaker Village to offer workshop in 19th century farming techniques
Stacy Hoehle
Cento News Co-Editor
Shaker Village, located less than 20 minutes from the Centre College campus, is a rich cultural treasure in the heart of Kentucky.
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill presents America's finest, largest, and most completely restored Shaker community and living museum. It allows countless people the chance to learn more about the Shaker people, who emphasized simplicity in their architecture, furniture and lifestyles.
Shakertown is the largest historic community of its kind in America and offers a variety of activities ranging from tours, riverboat excursions and special events.
One of these special events was an Aromatic Herbs Workshop held earlier this month. The traditional uses of aromatic herbs and oils were explored, as were current aromatherapeutic approaches to health and well being. The workshop offered participants a chance to practice distilling their herbs, preparing special salts and waters, experimentation with blending of herbs for fragrance and healing and adding herbs to food for a more palatable culinary experience.
On March 17 and 18, there will be a 19th century farming workshop entitled "So You Want to be a Farmer." This will be a two-day program examining 19th century farm agricultural pracitces to domestic responsibilities such as building furniture.
Centre students are invited to sign up for this hands on activity. It will include working with horses and oxen, plowing, hand milking and woodworking. Even if you aren't interested in being a farmer, this is an excellent opportunity for students to get a taste of rural lifestyle, learn more about the historic Shaker people and venture into the outdoors.
Who could resist the sights, smells, and fun of working with live farm animals? This is your chance to see the animals you can’t keep in your residence hall up close and personal, as well as learn about the important role they held for the lives of people in the 1800s.
Ralph Ward, the historic farm manager, will conduct the workshop. Ward is excited about being able to demonstrate the techniques and the working Shaker Town farm. He is the head of the Shaker Village farm operation, an authentic 19th century set up.
This farm helps preserve tradition and historic livestock breeds especially significant to Shaker and rural Kentucky history.
Currently, Shaker Village is developing its livestock program to include the milking Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses, Bakewell and Leicester sheep and various poultry including Dominique chickens.
There is a registration fee for this workshop.
For more information, interested students shouldcall (800) 734-5611.Back to top...
Compiled by Margaret Conway
Cento News Co-Editor
Cloning Experiment Slated
Scientists from the United States, Italy and Israel announced on Friday that 600-700 couples have registered to take part in a cloning experiment. The scientists said that the purpose of the experiment was mainly to help infertile couples bear children. Despite strong religious and scientific opposition, they hope for the first human clone to be born within the next two years.
Bush Intends to Block Northwest Airline Strike
On Friday, March 9, President Bush moved to block a mechanics' strike against Northwest Airlines for at least sixty days. Further, Bush made it clear that he is prepared to take similar actions actions if other airlines and their unions fail to resolve contract disputes. "I intend to take the necessary steps to prevent airline strikes from happening this year", said Bush. American, Delta and United Airlines are also in the midst of contract negotiations and strikes are threatened. Bush said, "I am concerned about them, concerned about what it could mean to this economy."
Ukraine protests rock Kiev
Ukrainian citizens continue to protest, demanding for the resignation of President Leonid Kuchma. Last Friday marked the 187th anniversary of Ukraine's most famous nationalist, Shevchenko, fueling the bloodiest protest of the three month campaign against Kuchma. The protest began in the capital city of Kiev, and by the evening, it had spread to 18,000 people involved. At least 26 people were arrested and several were injured as a result of Friday's protest.
Dale Earnhardt autopsy photos could be released
The American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE), is backing the Orlando Sentinel's attempt to gain access to Dale Earnhardt's autopsy photos. Furthermore, the ASNE is very critical of state officials who attempted to stop the release of the photos. Richard Oppel, a member of the ASNE, said, "It would be exceedingly unfortunate if this reasonable request were to be used by politicians to decimate the important principle of open government and open public records." Gov. Jeb Bush and state lawmakers are proposing a bill that would prevent the autopsy photos from being public record. Teresa Earnhardt, wife of the late Earnhardt, sued Volusia County four days later to stop the release of the medical examiner's photos.
Florida teen gets life sentence
On March 9, Lionel Tate, a fourteen-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced to life for the killing of a six-year-old girl when he was 12. In January, Tate (166 lbs.) was convicted of killing Tiffany (44 lbs.) while practicing professional wrestling moves on her. Tiffany ‘s death resulted from severe beating, and the jury deemed the acts child abuse. The prosecuting attorney Lazarus said, "The evidence of guilt was overwhelming. Lionel Tate's guilt is clear, obvious and undisputed." The defense attorney Jim Lewis plans to appeal the decision and to seek a clemency ruling from Gov. Jeb Bush.u
Compiled from msnbc.com and cnn.com. Back to top...