Archive for Wednesday, March 11, 2009 / LJWorld.com

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Also from March 11

Births

Obituaries

On the street

Are you prepared for severe weather season?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (39)

Photo galleries

The day in photos, March 11, 2009

Podcasts

The Morning Rush: KU freshman found dead on Sunday killed by alcohol, father says

Polls

What is your opinion of a potential $3 fine for a parking ticket in Lawrence?

Poll results

Response	Percent
It’s just right		37%
It’s too low		34%
It’s too high		27%
Total	843

Which team do you consider the best in the nation?

Poll results

Response	Percent
Pittsburgh		37%
Other		22%
North Carolina		19%
Connecticut		11%
Louisville		6%
Memphis		1%
Total	179

Videos

Lead stories

12:00 a.m.

Political commentator: It’s time for women to reshape country: By George Diepenbrock; March 10, 2009 in print edition on 3A; For Donna Brazile, it was a glimpse into history she wants to see fulfilled. The political commentator and Al Gore’s former presidential campaign manager sat a few feet from President Barack Obama on Jan. 20 at his inauguration as the country’s first black president.

6:00 a.m.

Hope for housing market: By Mark Fagan; March 11, 2009 in print edition on 1A; Home sales in Lawrence are down 25 percent from the previous year, sale revenues are off even more and home prices fell last year for the first time in memory. But the sky is not — repeat, not — falling. When President Barack Obama signed a $275 billion housing stimulus program last month, he just might have nudged the first of many welcome dominoes waiting to fall in Lawrence’s residential lineup.

Videos: McGrew leaders assess market

10:00 a.m.

School board candidate wants to bring budget skills to the table: By Lindsey Slater; March 10, 2009 in print edition on 3A; Bob Byers began working with children as soon as he graduated with a master’s degree from Kansas University in the late 1970s. He’s worked in several capacities at the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, from investigation child protection cases to helping create a child welfare information system and just about everything in between. But there’s a difference between Byers as a social worker and Byers as a school board candidate.

2:00 p.m.

Program offers seniors path to healthier lifestyle: By Karrey Britt; March 10, 2009 in print edition on 3A; There’s a six-week program that helps pave the way for Douglas County seniors to live a healthier life. It’s called Personal Actions To Health or PATH, and it teaches residents ages 55 and older, about the importance of exercise and nutrition.

Video: Local program helps seniors live healthier

6:00 p.m.

Attorney general says 13 rapes in Lawrence, Manhattan may be connected: By Jesse Fray; 11:06 a.m., March 11, 2009 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on 1A; Multiple rapes in Lawrence and Manhattan may be connected, the state’s top law enforcement official announced Wednesday.

Video: A.G. says Lawrence and Manhattan rapes probably related
Special coverage: Sexual Assaults in Lawrence: Not an uncommon crime

All stories

Singletary’s 43 points lead Texas Tech to upset over A&M, 88-83: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B2; Mike Singletary single-handedly led the biggest comeback in Big 12 tournament history, scoring all 29 of Texas Tech’s points during a second-half surge that pushed the Red Raiders to a 88-83 win against Texas A&M on Wednesday night.
Moses, Muonelo lift Cowboys past Iowa St., 81-67: Murray Evans - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009; Marshall Moses matched his career high with 18 points and provided a much-needed inside threat as Oklahoma State held off scrappy Iowa State 81-67 on Wednesday night in the first round of the Big 12 Conference tournament.
Lawrence school district picks next superintendent: Rick Doll from Louisburg: Educator to bring 35 years’ expertise; By Lindsey Slater; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A1; Rick Doll will be the sixth superintendent to lead the consolidated Lawrence public school district.
City candidates speed their way through forum: By Chad Lawhorn; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A4; Here’s a new concept for Lawrence City Commission candidates — speed dating. No, it is not the newest issue to come before the commission. Instead the eight candidates running for a seat on the commission got to participate in a form of speed dating for candidates on Wednesday.
Texas sends Colorado to record-setting 22nd loss: Jeff Latzke - AP Sports Writer; March 11, 2009; Dexter Pittman dominated inside with a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, leading Texas past Colorado 67-56 Wednesday in the first round of the Big 12 tournament. At 6-foot-10 and about 300 pounds, the oversized Pittman had his way against Colorado’s interior defense. He started out 9-for-10 from the field with four dunks and even hit his first five free throws.
Foot chase leads to arrest of ‘person of interest’ in robbery: By Mike Belt; 03:10 p.m., March 11, 2009 Updated 09:49 p.m.; A short foot chase Wednesday morning by a Lawrence police officer resulted in the arrest of a “person of interest” in a robbery incident.
Key Kansas Senator wants to debate changes to gambling law: Associated Press; March 11, 2009; The chairman of a Kansas Senate committee wants to go ahead with a debate on a bill rewriting the state’s casino-and-slots law.
KU football adds linebacker commit: J-W Staff Reports; March 11, 2009; A month after securing it’s top-rated recruiting class of the Mark Mangino era, the Jayhawks this week earned a late commitment from linebacker Jon Watts, a recent graduate of Oroville Butte Community College in California, according to Rivals.com
KU open practice postponed: J-W Staff Reports; March 11, 2009; The Kansas University football team has postponed its open open today due to cold weather.
Baylor advances past Huskers, will face KU: The Associated Press; March 11, 2009; Rebounding, Nebraska coach Doc Sadler says, has been the Cornhuskers’ Achilles heel in the latter stages of this basketball season. Baylor took advantage of that in a big way on Wednesday. Led by a career-high 20 rebounds from Kevin Rogers, the Bears posted a 43-18 advantage on the boards en route to a 65-49 win over Nebraska in the opening game of the Big 12 tournament.
Legislative negotiators come closer to agreement on coal plant legislation: Associated Press; March 11, 2009; House and Senate negotiators narrow their differences over a bill allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.
Bill on federal stimulus funding called unnecessary by Sebelius administration: Measure could hinder access to funds, budget director warns; By Scott Rothschild; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B7; A bill that would require approval from top elected officials before a state agency could apply for federal stimulus funds was criticized Wednesday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ administration as unnecessary and possibly harmful in Kansas’ efforts to get its share of recovery dollars.
KU to celebrate Hemenway’s chancellorship with May event: By Andy Hyland; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A3; An event is planned at the Lied Center to celebrate Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway’s 14 years of leadership at KU.
Four KU students nominated for Goldwater scholarships: By Andy Hyland; 12:39 p.m., March 11, 2009 Updated 02:35 p.m. in print edition on A3; Four Kansas University students have been nominated for undergraduate Barry M. Goldwater scholarships, which award excellence in science, engineering and mathematics.
Once busy Kansas oil rigs now sit idle: Associated Press; March 11, 2009; Kansas drilling rigs that once could not punch holes fast enough when oil prices hit record highs less than a year ago are now sitting idle, their crews laid off. Tax revenues in oil-rich counties are plummeting. Marginal wells are shutting down.
Lightning strike survivor contemplates luck: By Christine Metz; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A3; It’s unclear whether Traci Pillard is unlucky or lucky. Unlucky because on Aug. 22, 2002 — a misty morning when Pillard had just finished her first class of the semester at Kansas University and was on her way to mail a package — she was struck by lightning. Or lucky, because she survived.
Self earns Sporting News national coach of the year: J-W Staff Reports; March 11, 2009; Kansas coach Bill Self has been honored as the Sporting News’ National Coach of the Year, the publication released Wednesday.
Attorney general offers personal safety tips: LJWorld.com staff reports; March 11, 2009; The Attorney General offers the following tips to students as Spring Break nears.
Former party chairman would bring connections to school board: By Lindsey Slater; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A3; Tom Hartley has a few friends in the Kansas state legislature thanks to his two years as the Douglas County Democratic Party chairman. He thinks those connections are an advantage in his run for Lawrence school board.
Attorney general says 13 rapes in Lawrence, Manhattan may be connected: By Jesse Fray; 11:06 a.m., March 11, 2009 Updated 12:00 a.m. in print edition on A1; Multiple rapes in Lawrence and Manhattan may be connected, the state’s top law enforcement official announced Wednesday.
Downtown Lawrence Inc. wants higher parking rates, fines: By Chad Lawhorn; 11:04 a.m., March 11, 2009 Updated 04:32 p.m. in print edition on A1; Higher parking rates and fines for Downtown Lawrence may be on the way. Members of Downtown Lawrence Inc. released details Wednesday of a parking proposal that they likely will present to city commissioners later this year.
Kansas unemployment rate sharply increases to 6.4 percent: Staff Reports; 07:30 a.m., March 11, 2009 Updated 03:52 p.m. in print edition on A4; The Kansas unemployment rate in January rose to 6.4 percent — the highest rate in nearly 26 years and the biggest month-to-month increase in seven years. In terms of the number of jobless people, the statistics were even more grim. In January, there were 95,812 unemployed Kansans, 31 percent more than the 73,131 without jobs in December.
Big 12 tourney open race: Jayhawks looking for fourth straight crown; By Eric Sorrentino; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B1; The Big 12 tournament, which begins today in Oklahoma City, will feature teams with different outlooks on the bigger picture. In just four days, the nominating committee will set the field of 65 for the NCAA Tournament.
On the record: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A4; A hazardous materials unit from Olathe was called in Tuesday to clean up sludge in the 2200 block of Delaware Street. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical hazmat and other units were sent to the area to investigate the material shortly before 9 a.m. A section of Delaware Street was blocked off.
MU settles with player’s family: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B2; The University of Missouri has reached a settlement in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of a former reserve linebacker who collapsed on the field during a 2005 preseason workout.
Cleveland State earns NCAA bid: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B4; Cleveland State is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 23 years and coach Gary Waters is finally getting a new ring. Cedric Jackson scored 19 points and the Vikings used a flurry of three-pointers to beat No. 16 Butler, 57-54, Tuesday night, winning the Horizon League tourney championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tourney.
Lawson’s status in doubt: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B2; Ty Lawson’s toe injury is creating uncertainty about whether the junior will be ready to go for top-ranked North Carolina in this week’s Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
Tigers name coordinator: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B2; Missouri linebackers coach Dave Steckel has been promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing the departed Matt Eberflus. The promotion came Tuesday. Steckel has been head coach Gary Pinkel’s linebackers coach all eight seasons at Missouri. Eberflus, the defensive coordinator the past eight seasons, took a job as an assistant coach with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns last month.
KU golf takes ninth; Koelbel finishes in third: J-W Staff Reports; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B3; Kansas University golfer Walt Koelbel fired a final round 73 at the Louisiana Classics to tie for third place and record the top finish of his career.
Golfweek.com honors Kansas women’s team: J-W Staff Reports; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B3; Kansas University’s women’s golf team has been selected as the Golfweek.com women’s team of the week.
Crisp getting on base as Royals’ leadoff hitter: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B3; Coco Crisp practices what Kansas City Royals manager Trey Hillman preaches.
Collins, Aldrich named to All-District team: By Gary Bedore; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B1; Kansas University’s Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich were named to the U.S. Basketball Writers Association 2008-09 All-District Six Team on Tuesday.
Orthopedic practice changes its name: March 11, 2009 in print edition on B9; Lawrence Orthopaedic Surgery, P.A., has officially changed its name to OrthoKansas, P.A., as of March 1. The 36-year-old practice changed its name to OrthoKansas, P.A. to reflect the services it provides better. The new name reflects the growth of the practice as well as conveys a clearer message about the medical group and the comprehensive, clinical care that it provides locally and regionally.
Hemenway changes role on KU Hospital Authority Board: By Andy Hyland; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B10; Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway has stepped down from his position as vice chairman of the KU Hospital Authority Board. Former Kansas Senate President Dave Kerr stepped into the vice chairman’s role Tuesday as the board instituted new bylaws that prevented its ex-officio members from serving in that capacity.
Carter aides connect ’76 election to today: By George Diepenbrock; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B10; The American political scene was high-strung in the 1976 presidential campaign as the country attempted to recover from Watergate and other events. The political climate opened up the door for a little-known Georgia governor to challenge the incumbent president in a hard-fought and roller-coaster campaign.
Shortstop leads KU past Missouri Valley: By Chuck Woodling; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B3; Ritch Price had to dig a little deeper for son Robby’s Kansas University tuition this year.
Dalai Lama: Tibetans ‘suffering’: By Gavin Rabinowitz - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; Life for Tibetans under Chinese rule has been “hell on earth,” the Dalai Lama said Tuesday, attacking Beijing in a speech to mark 50 years since the failed uprising that forced him into exile. The unusually harsh rhetoric from the Nobel Peace laureate, who accused the Chinese government of treating his people “like criminals deserving to be put to death,” highlighted the widening gulf between the two sides since last year when violence engulfed the region and talks broke down.
Gunman kills 9, then himself: By Jessica Gresko and Desiree Hunter - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; A gunman killed at least nine people on a terrifying rampage across two Alabama counties Tuesday, burning down his mother’s home, killing members of his own family on their porch and shooting apparent strangers as he drove by, authorities said. He then fatally shot himself.
People in the news: March 11, 2009 in print edition on B8; • ‘Idol’ chooses G-rated voting line for contestant • Nickelodeon stands by Chris Brown as nominee • Ashlee Simpson-Wentz to join ‘Melrose Place’ • Shriver says she won’t run for office in 2010 • Publisher pays big for Niffenegger novel • Octuplets mom ready for move, homecomings
Storms have long inspired musicians: By Jon Niccum; March 11, 2009; Several years back I acquired a device that had the ability to both play CDs and simulate the sounds of weather. Crashing thunderstorms could be dialed up as easily as the latest Coldplay CD. This relationship between music and weather is hardly new.
Have a plan in place for outdoor emergencies: By George Diepenbrock; March 11, 2009; The early morning hours of May 2, 2008, turned ugly in western Douglas County. At 1:30 a.m. as the winds picked up and the weather became rougher, Tina McIver knew it was time to take shelter in her house west of Clinton Lake.
Develop a plan for on-the-road safety: By Matt Elwell; March 11, 2009; You are driving along an isolated highway in the face of an oncoming thunderstorm.
Aldrich looks past minor injuries: By Tom Keegan; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B1; Kansas University center Cole Aldrich’s production has tailed off the past two games, but he doesn’t sound worried that the rigors of a long college basketball season are breaking him down at the worst possible time.
Several Jayhawks trying to impress at pro day: By Dugan Arnett; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B1; Just two months after their collegiate careers drew to a close, a handful of former Kansas University football players are trying to convince professional scouts they’ve got the requisite tools to play at the next level.
Bowden’s legacy unfairly tarnished: By Mike Bianchi - The Orlando Sentinel; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B2; Six obscure committee members did what nobody else has been able to do in the legendary coach’s 50 years in the business.
Magician admits to hoax in shipping stunt: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; A magician who posted videos online detailing a “trip” he made in a crate aboard a cargo plane from upstate New York to Las Vegas admitted Tuesday that it was an elaborate hoax. “It was a publicity stunt right from the start,” said Wade Whitcomb, of North Syracuse, after federal officials declared the event a hoax. “If that’s what they say, that must be the truth.”
Snow closes highways in upper Midwest: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; Heavy snow driven by wind gusting to 40 mph brought parts of the upper Midwest to a halt Tuesday, closing courts, schools, businesses and two major highways. Up to a foot of snow was forecast Tuesday for parts of eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota.
Suicide attack kills 33; U.S. blames al-Qaida: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; A suicide bomber struck Sunni and Shiite tribal leaders touring an outdoor market after a reconciliation meeting in a Baghdad suburb Tuesday, killing up to 33 people in the second major attack in the capital area in three days. The bombings are raising fears that Sunni insurgents may be escalating operations as the U.S. phases out its combat role in Iraq and prepares to withdraw troops from cities by the end of June.
Officials: Taliban chief once held at Gitmo: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; The Taliban’s new top operations officer in southern Afghanistan had been a prisoner at the Guantanamo Bay detention center, the latest example of a freed detainee who took a militant leadership role and a potential complication for the Obama administration’s efforts to close the prison.
9/11 suspects: ‘We are terrorists to the bone’: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A2; The self-professed mastermind and four other men charged in the Sept. 11 attacks declared they are “terrorists to the bone” in a statement that mocked the U.S. failure to prevent the killings and predicted America will fall like “the towers on the blessed 9/11 day.”
Loan should allow Mo. family to stay in cave: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A6; An eastern Missouri family expects they’ll be able to stay in their home built inside a cave after accepting an offer of a private mortgage contract. Curt Sleeper said Tuesday that a New Jersey-based business offered a 15-year loan with a low interest rate that should allow the family to keep their home in Festus, about 30 miles south of St. Louis.
IRA dissident killings leads to show of unity: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A7; The Protestant and Catholic leaders of Northern Ireland mounted an exceptional display of unity against rising violence from Irish Republican Army dissidents — and vowed Tuesday to defeat hard-liners with the power of popular will.
Eudora seniors get their shot in state tourney: By Jeff Deters; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B6; If making it to the Class 4A state basketball tournament is the best way to end a high school career, then six Eudora High seniors have earned their shot.
Buy-local policy: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A5; Commissioners want to explore the adding of a buy-local clause to the city’s purchasing policy. Commissioners directed staff to explore how the city could create a policy to accept local bids for products and services even if they were not the low bid. Commissioners said they would want to require the local bids to be within a few percentage points of the low bid.
Sidewalk seating at bar: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A5; A downtown bar soon will be allowed to have a drinking and smoking area on the city’s sidewalk. Commissioners unanimously approved a request for the Eighth Street Taproom, 801 N.H., to install a sidewalk seating area to accommodate customers who want to drink and smoke outside.
Resident charged with indecent liberties: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A5; Douglas County prosecutors filed two charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child against a 41-year-old Lawrence man on Tuesday. Lawrence police said the man was arrested after two incidents on Saturday involving a 7-year-old girl. Police spokeswoman Kim Murphree said the girl’s mother reported her daughter was inappropriately touched twice by the suspect, who is known to them.
Free health screenings offered on Thursday: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A5; Midland Care Connection’s Lawrence office and Washburn University’s School of Nursing have teamed up to provide a free mobile clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in the northwest corner of the Dillons parking lot at Sixth Street and Lawrence Avenue.
Pancake feed raises nearly $8,000: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A5; The American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post No. 14 raised $7,900 Saturday during its 60th Legion Pancake Day. Post members and volunteers served 1,060 guests, said Don Acher, a post member. “It was just more than we can handle, and that’s good,” he said.
MU closing fitness center: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A5; Budget constraints are forcing the University of Missouri to close a fitness institution it has operated for 19 years. The Health Connection will close at the end of June. The center is located on the Stephens College campus in Columbia but the MU School of Health Professions owns it. The facility has 323 clients who are mostly elderly or are rehabilitating from surgery or chronic illness.
Chef show model getting a bit stale: By Kevin McDonough; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B8; Can it really be eight years since NBC gave cable chef Emeril Lagasse his own sitcom? Sure, “Emeril” was a bomb, but at least they rolled the dice. In the time-honored tradition of TV development, somebody took a notion and threw it against the wall to see if it stuck. It didn’t. But neither do most new ideas. Now, TV-development types seem to be afraid of new ideas. NBC has all but banished them.
Horoscopes: March 11, 2009 in print edition on B8; You make a big difference wherever you go this year. You have a way of empowering others, and often don’t take the credit for a job well done. If you are single, a new friend could mean a lot, but don’t decide this is forever just yet. If you are attached, the two of you will bond more tightly if you allow your sweetie to dominate more.
U.S., U.N. leaders meet in Washington: By John Heilprin - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A10; President Barack Obama, declaring the violence in Darfur and inaction in the face of its worsening humanitarian crisis are “not acceptable,” pledged Tuesday to work more closely with the United Nations to bring peace to western Sudan’s conflict-wracked region.
Congress sends $410B spending bill to president: By Andrew Taylor - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A10; Congress on Tuesday sent President Barack Obama a once-bipartisan bill to fund the domestic Cabinet agencies that evolved instead into a symbol of lawmakers’ free-spending ways and penchant for back-home pet projects. The Senate approved the measure by voice after it cleared a key procedural hurdle by a 62-35 vote. Sixty votes were required to shut down debate.
Obama backs teacher merit pay, charter schools: By Libby Quaid - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A10; President Barack Obama called for tying teachers’ pay to student performance and expanding innovative charter schools Tuesday, embracing ideas that have provoked hostility from members of teachers unions. He also suggested longer school days — and years — to help American children compete in the world.
Mystery solved: Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A1; For nearly 150 years, a story has circulated about a hidden Civil War message engraved inside Abraham Lincoln’s pocket watch. On Tuesday, museum curators confirmed it was true. A watchmaker used tiny tools to carefully pry open the antique watch at the National Museum of American History, and a descendant of the engraver read aloud the message from a metal plate underneath the watch face.
Hope for housing market: Would-be buyers taking the plunge; By Mark Fagan; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A1; Home sales in Lawrence are down 25 percent from the previous year, sale revenues are off even more and home prices fell last year for the first time in memory. But the sky is not — repeat, not — falling. When President Barack Obama signed a $275 billion housing stimulus program last month, he just might have nudged the first of many welcome dominoes waiting to fall in Lawrence’s residential lineup.
Birdseed price flies high: By Eric Olson - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C10; People who feed birds have been getting their pockets pecked. Birdseed prices have been fluctuating for months, and the cost of a premium seed imported from India is at an unprecedented high. All this has made the estimated one in six Americans who feed wild birds rethink their backyard buffets.
Some laid-off moms find new job, stay-at-home motherhood, rewarding: By Jocelyn Noveck - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C10; Soon after New Yorker Geralyn Lucas was laid off from her television job in January, she took her 2-year-old son to the playroom of her apartment building. She realized she had never been there before. Within minutes she had inadvertently broken all the cleanliness rules. “I wore shoes,” confesses Lucas, 41. “I brought food. I changed his diaper. I didn’t know those things weren’t allowed.”
Peer-to-peer university bucks establishment: By Raja Abdulrahim - Los Angeles Times; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C10; It won’t have professors, not in a traditional sense. And no tuition either. Still, the University of the People, a Pasadena-based venture envisioned as the first global, online, peer-to-peer university, will be a real institution of higher education, its founder says.
Reaching a new level of frugality: By Anne D’Innocenzio - Associated Press Writer; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C10; Amy VanDeventer has always been a cheapskate. The recession is taking her to new extremes. Before the economy tanked, she was still wearing maternity clothes from her last pregnancy, clipping coupons and using hand-me-downs to dress her daughters, ages 2 and 3. Now, she’s salvaging bagel scraps left on their plates for pizza toppings and cutting lotion bottles in half so she can scrape out the last drops.
GOP needs a makeover: By Cal Thomas; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A9; In the 1987 film “Moonstruck,” Rose Castorini, played by Olympia Dukakis, walks home accompanied by a man she met in a restaurant. When he asks her if he can come in, she declines. When he asks why, she responds, “Because I’m married and because I know who I am.”
Public universities are key to the American dream: By Mike Hoeflich; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A9; Change seems to be the new watchword at Kansas University. We are losing both our chancellor and provost, and the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been appointed interim provost. Within the next 12 to 18 months, we shall, hopefully, see the appointments of a new chancellor and provost and we may hope they have a long and successful tenure at KU.
Top column: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; To the editor: I have been a journalist for 60 years. Sunday’s column by Leonard Pitts (“Rush won’t lead GOP out of the wilderness”) is the best political column I have ever read. The writing, the logic and the message are so close to perfect that I don’t expect to see a better one in my lifetime.
GOP slap: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; To the editor: I have to admit I had mixed feelings reading Mr. Simons’ March 7 Saturday Column. I wanted to laugh out loud, but I felt sorry for him, too. I’m sure he thinks of this column as some sort of clarion call to arms, but it’s rote regurgitation of the current Republican talking points and serves only to point out why the majority of the American people have turned away from the policies of the Republican Party.
Crisis confirmed: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; To the editor: In his March 5 letter, “Oil crisis looms,” Steve Craven states that global oil production will peak in a few decades. Kevin Phillips, in his book “Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism,” published in 2008, states that the peak may well have been hit as early as 2007 and at the latest will be hit by 2020.
Worthless idol: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; To the editor: Rush Limbaugh is not a conservative. Rush Limbaugh is not a Republican. He is a self-serving employee of his self-aggrandized “EIB” network. He is there to sell his cheap “ditto-junk” and make money. Period. A glance at his Web site (all I can stomach, a very short glance) verifies this fact.
Better on radio: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; To the editor: Whenever KU is having trouble, I turn off the TV and listen to the game on the radio. The Jayhawks play better on the radio than they do on the TV.
Old Home Town - 25 years ago: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; Lawrence High basketball fans had terribly mixed emotions. The Lion girls defeated Derby 49-48 to win the Kansas Class 6A title, then the LHS boys fell 50-49 to Wyandotte in their championship game. William Davis made the last-second winning shot for Wyandotte in its defeat of a Lawrence team featuring senior Danny Manning.
U.S. must help Afghans help themselves: By Trudy Rubin; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; The world may be collapsing, but some individuals won’t let that stop them from working for change in its most troubled corners.International Women’s Day is a good time to spotlight two such individuals: an Afghan activist for women’s rights named Suraya Pakzad and a local businessman, Aldo Magazzeni, who builds water systems in Afghanistan for impoverished villages.
Old Home Town - 100 years ago: March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; From the Lawrence Daily World for March 11, 1909: “The university board of regents has let the contract for enclosing of the main Dyche Museum specimens in plate glass cases. The work will be done by McAfee Construction of Garnett for just over $5,000. A good deal of work will be done inside the museum as well.”
Gambling redux?: Only two years after the approval of expanded gambling in Kansas is too soon to tinker with the state’s terms.; J-W Editorials; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A8; Even though the 2007 law expanding gambling in the state of Kansas hasn’t worked out quite as hoped, area legislators said in a pre-session forum that they didn’t expect the issue to be revisited this year. They were wrong. It’s unclear at this point how far the bill will get, but the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee has scheduled hearings today on a proposal to allow horse and dog tracks in the state to keep a higher percentage of their slot machine revenues.
Local student offers painting service: March 11, 2009 in print edition on B9; Aqmar Rahman will offer painting services to local business and homes, as part of an internship with College Works Painting. Rahman, a graduate of Free State High School, has lived in Lawrence most of his life. He is studying for a political science degree at Kansas University.
Make most of credit card cash-back offers: Consumer Reports; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B9; Consumer Reports Money Adviser often reports on the credit card industry’s anti-consumer practices like high fees, unexpected interest-rate hikes and difficult-to-understand terms. In this ugly economic climate, many cardholders are facing tightened credit lines and jacked-up interest rates, even as issuers prepare to comply with new federal rules that curb some of their most egregious practices.
Wall Street enjoys best day of ’09: By Sara Lepro and Tim Paradis - Associated Press Writers; March 11, 2009 in print edition on B9; Wall Street snapped out of its stupor and posted its best performance of the year Tuesday, finding a badly needed glimmer of optimism in the most unlikely of places: Citigroup is actually managing to turn a profit. The 379-point gain for the Dow Jones industrials, a rally of almost 6 percent, was a welcome break from almost uninterrupted selling.
City keeps airport proposal on radar: By Chad Lawhorn; March 11, 2009 in print edition on A3; Plans to bring a high-paying aircraft design company to the Lawrence Municipal Airport remained alive Tuesday after city commissioners learned more about the company. Commissioners at their weekly meeting unanimously agreed to study the feasibility of extending water and sewer service to the airport so that Lawrence-based DAR Corp. could build a new facility there.
Researcher talks about work in National Weather Center: By Karrey Britt; March 11, 2009; I grew up on a small farm about 30 miles northwest of Abilene. Our farmhouse was on a hill, so you can see for miles in almost every direction, except to the east because of another hill. My dad, like many Midwesterners, goes outside to watch approaching storms instead of taking shelter inside. His fascination with the clouds, lightning, thunder and wind rubbed off on me. I would go outside and stand next to him.
Weather myths and facts: March 11, 2009
Your best safety bet: An all-hazard weather radio: By Mike Belt; March 11, 2009; Ask meteorologists and emergency management experts what they think is the best severe weather tool, and you get a quick answer. An all-hazard weather radio.
Manhattan story: What went right in 2008: By Alex Harrington; March 11, 2009; Many had foreseen the severity of the evening of June 11, 2008, hours before a tornado stuck Manhattan. Despite two deaths and millions of dollars in damage, the response that occurred when most people would be in bed is considered a success.
Storm chasers seek call of the wild: By Andy Hyland; March 11, 2009; For some, the sound of a tornado siren is an indication to take cover. For a certain type of person, however, it’s a call to action.
Mean green: Holiday inspires adventures in eating: By Sarah Henning; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C1; There’s your run-of-the-mill salad. Smooth avocado. Mighty broccoli. Then there’s what’s in season this time of year: green beer, emerald-sprinkled Shamrock cupcakes and Oreos with mounds of lime-colored filling.
The majesty: The unthinkable has happened to you. How to start picking up the pieces.: By Mike Belt; March 11, 2009; It took only seconds for the tornado to move through your neighborhood. The recovery process and repairing the damage to your home could take days or even weeks. Assuming you aren’t injured, you now have to work with your insurance company and find a contractor to make repairs.
Teach children about taking storm precautions: By Marlo Angell - Special to the Journal-World; March 11, 2009; When Indianapolis meteorologist Crystal Wicker walks into a classroom, she knows there’s one question in particular that is sure to break the ice. “When I ask who’s afraid of tornadoes, everyone raises their hands … including me,” said Wicker, who cites a tornado hitting her hometown of Kendallville, Ind., as a particularly frightening moment in her life and a key factor in her choosing a career in meteorology.
Mushrooms packed with nutrients: By Susan Krumm; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C1; Are mushrooms good for you? Oh yes! In fact, mushrooms provide a range of nutrients. Fresh mushrooms have nearly 300 milligrams of potassium per cup, and only 20 calories and zero grams of fat. They also offer many other nutrients, including copper and the B vitamins of riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. In addition, mushrooms are rich in two antioxidants — selenium and ergothioneine.
Tips on avoiding tax trouble: McClatchy Newspapers; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C1; For many of us, it’s hard to believe things could get worse financially.
Some of the best Web sites for nutrition information: By Michele Kayal - For The Associated Press; March 11, 2009 in print edition on C1; With so many nutrition-related Web sites clamoring for your attention, sorting through the pile to find impartial and safe information can be frustrating enough to send you on a drive-thru binge.
Make your basement a safe storm haven: By Matt Elwell; March 11, 2009; Last year was an active year for tornadoes across the United States. Take, for instance, Kansas. The Sunflower State set a record with 187 confirmed tornadoes in 2008, which is 95 more twisters than the average over the last 20 years, according to the National Weather Service.
The mayhem: Tornadoes strike in Oklahoma City, Greensburg, Manhattan, Andover … all at a heavy cost: By Mark Fagan; March 11, 2009; Dave Floyd’s been working in the National Weather Service for 15 years, but he’s already seen enough tornado damage to last a lifetime. Chasing storms that spawned some 58 tornadoes in the Oklahoma City area during a single day nearly nine years ago will do that.
Tips for preparing for the storm: By Chad Lawhorn; March 11, 2009; When the tornado sirens sound, that is not your cue to start thinking about how to survive severe weather. Emergency management experts say the time to think is long before severe weather strikes.
Hail’s damaging effects tricky to predict: By Jesse Fray; March 11, 2009; It can shower down looking like peas, golf balls, oddly shaped pancakes or anything in between. The weather phenomenon known as hail can be destructive, big and sometimes deadly.
Greensburg offers lesson on guard deployment: Overseas duties strained resources in 2007; J-W Staff Reports; March 11, 2009; It takes a lot of sweat, patience and manpower to clean up and rebuild after a severe storm. After the worst storms, the National Guard is deployed to assist those in need. While many citizen soldiers are busy overseas, help is always available, said Kansas National Guard spokeswoman Sharon Watson.
Topeka meteorologist shares trade secrets: By Matt Miller; March 11, 2009; I am reminded of what initially sparked my interest to be a meteorologist every time I watch my kids when they wake up to see snow covering the ground. Or watching them look up at a building storm cloud and ask me what the clouds mean.
Behind the sirens: Emergency management permits multiple agencies to sound alarm: March 11, 2009; The tornado siren is probably the sound that most of us relate to severe weather. We hear the siren go off; we take shelter. That is how it works, or how it is supposed to work.
The mystery: We visit the National Weather Service in Norman, Okla., to observe the science of predicting the storms: By Karrey Britt; March 11, 2009; On the day that Barack Obama was sworn in as president, the weather across the United States was fittingly peaceful. Computers in the nation’s Storm Prediction Center showed no signs of severe weather. Still, the center operated as it would on the other 364 days of the year.

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