Scattered T-Storms 60% chance of rain HIGH LOW Television supports first amendment, good and bad PAGE 5 83 72 Friday, July 8, 2011 Issue 11 Vol. 117 http://utdailybeacon.com PUBLISHED SINCE 1906 THE EDITORIALLY INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE Dixon: ‘Recruiting overrated’ PAGE 6 Follow us: @DailyBeacon The Associated Press NEW YORK — The nation’s most extravagant dis- play of July 4 fireworks Monday was a triumphant cel- ebration that turned sober briefly to commemorate the 10-year mark since the Sept. 11 attacks. Tens of thousands of people from around the world streamed to Manhattan’s West Side to see the pyrotechnics show over the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, featuring more than 40,000 shells exploding in choreographed, multicolored progression. “It’s beautiful,” said Rosa Riveras, a 57-year-old health educator from Manhattan, as bursts of light filled the sky. “It’s amazing. I’m loving it.” NBC ran an exclusive broadcast from a pier along the river, with Nick Lachey of the show “The Sing-Off” host- ing. Viewers got pre-recorded performances by Beyonce, filmed in front of the Statue of Liberty, and country music star Brad Paisley. Then the fireworks lit up the sky, tightly choreographed to a half-hour soundtrack from Katy Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Jennifer Hudson and other artists. Beth Cochran of Scottsdale, Ariz., was with two childhood friends from Fishkill, N.Y. The group of three periodically broke into renditions of “God Bless America” and other patriotic songs. “We do not take friendship or freedom for granted,” said Cochran, wearing an American flag tank top. “I’m proud to be an American.” John Woods, a 52-year-old information technology con- sultant from Wimbledon, England, said he appreciated the diversity of the crowd, which included many immi- grants and tourists from around the country and abroad. “I think it’s just a celebra- tion of being an American,” he said. The show, sponsored by Macy’s, paid tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s debut in New York Harbor. Fireworks blasted off from six barges along the river to heights of 1,000 feet. As “Amazing Grace” was sung, bursts of golden fire- works lit up the sky to pay tribute to victims of 9/11. Big cheers broke out in the crowd during the finale. All across the country, Americans marked the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with parades, fireworks, barbecues — plus presidential campaigning, a White House birthday and competitive eating. Thousands showed up near the Washington Monument to eagerly await the annual fire- works show on the National Mall, while others were throw- ing on Hawaiian shirts and shorts to ski the still-snowy slopes at resorts from California to Colorado. Earlier in the day on New York’s Coney Island, the annu- al Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog-eating contest brought out the biggest names in competitive eating for a clash that was short in times- pan but high in calories. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, of San Jose, Calif., wolfed down 62 hot dogs and buns during the 10-minute contest, win- ning his fifth straight title. Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas chowed her way to victory in the first-ever women-only contest, eating 40 hot dogs, one shy of her 2009 total. In Boston, the annual Boston Pops concert was a must. In Akron, Ohio, the Rib, White & Blue Food Festival was enticing. And then, there were Nevada’s casinos, which promised a pyrotechnics extravaganza that could be a gambler’s best bet. At the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Va., officials continued a nearly five- decade-old tradition of swear- ing in new U.S. citizens. Seventy-seven people took their oaths during a natural- ization ceremony at Monticello. The holiday is celebrated as the nation’s birthday, but it also was Malia Obama’s 13th birthday. The president’s eld- est daughter had to share her parents with hundreds of oth- ers as Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama invited troops and their families to attend a special barbecue and USO concert on the South Lawn. See FOURTH on Page 3 Jamie Cunningham Staff Writer The amount debit card issuers can charge in transac- tion fees to the UT Book and Supply Store and college bookstores nationwide has changed because of a new rule approved by the Federal Reserve Board. In June, the Federal Reserve Board passed a rule that will chop the fees collect- ed by debit card issuers — sometimes known as “swipe fees” — nearly in half, from 44 cents to 21 cents. This means that debit card issuers can no longer charge transaction fees that often cost more than the cost for processing the transaction. Abigail Zenner, a legislative assistant at the Nation Association of College Stores, said the fees were unfair because they were dispropor- tional to the actual cost of clearing the transaction. “It only costs the debit card issuer four cents to clear a transaction; however, issuers were charging college book- stores 44 cents,” she said. According to the Merchant Payments Coalition (MPC), an organization advocating for debit card fee reform, debit cards should be considered electronic checks because the money comes from the cus- tomer’s bank account. “For almost 100 years, paper checks have cleared at par without swipe fees,” said the MPC press release. This new rule is a step clos- er to a parity between paper checks and debit cards. Zenner said that college bookstores benefit more from the rule because most of their customers are college stu- dents. “As opposed to other retail- ers, there is more of a direct benefit for students to lower these interchange fees,” Zenner said. Richard Hershman, direc- tor of government relations for the National Association of College Stores, said these “swipe fees” cost college bookstores approximately $100 million annually. Before the final ruling, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), along with Sen. Jon Tester (D- Mont.), et al., attempted to hinder the ruling by co-spon- soring an amendment that would delay the reform. “This push-back is an attempt to punish, to stick a stick in the eye, of the finan- cial industry,” Corker said on the Senate floor on June 8. Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, support- ed the delay amendment. “Interchange revenue helps banks fight fraud, provide low- cost banking services and effi- ciently operate a payments system that is seamless and of tremendous benefit to individ- uals, businesses and the U.S. economy,” he said. The amendment failed to pass the Senate, coming up six votes shy of the 60 votes necessary for adoption. Sen. Richard Durbin (D- Ill.) lauded the ruling as a means to creating fairer fees for college bookstores. “(The rules) will finally make swipe fee reform a reali- ty and help bring fairness, transparency and competition to a debit card system that for years has operated without them,” Durbin said in a press release. Incoming freshman walk outside the Haslam Buisness building during orientaion on June 8. Incoming freshman attend a two day orientation throughout the summer to get their schedules and other things ready for school in the fall. Anthony Cespedes • The Daily Beacon See DEBIT on Page 3 Debit fee charged to bookstores cut Nation’s birthday goes off with bang Jamie Cunningham Staff Writer UT lecturer Kate Vitasek was recently recognized for her work when she was named one of World Trade magazine’s most influential people in the trade industry. World Trade delivers business information and news to manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers working in trade, both in the U.S. and abroad. Every year World Trade creates a list of the “Fabulous 50 Plus One” most influential list of people, places and things that have contributed to the growth and evolution of the supply chain business. This year’s list is a compilation of individuals, cities and business sectors that play an important role in the global sup- ply chain business. The list ranged from product design to renewable energy to Lady Gaga. World Trade Managing Editor Lara Sowinski explained why the list named many influencers from a variety of industries. “Directly or indirectly, we think this year’s candidates are playing a part in shaping and influencing the ever-evolving global supply chain,” Sowinski said. Though the list extends to all business sectors and professionals, one of those named on the list is UT alumna Vitasek. Vitasek, currently residing in Washington state, is a supply chain expert and innovator in the world of logistics. Vitasek founded Vested Outsourcing, a method that was based on award-winning research funded by the U.S. Air Force. “In 2005, the Air Force had asked the University of Tennessee to look into something called per- formance-based logistics,” Vitasek said. “The dean had asked me to work on the project, and I believed that even though perform- ance-based logistics is a very complicated concept, we could turn this into something that everybody could understand.” Vitasek remembered how the extensive research on the project presented her with an exhilarating challenge. “As we did more research of different outsourcing deals, I realized my challenge was conveying this concept in a way that makes it common sense for everybody,” she said. This “common sense logistics” eventually became Vested Outsourcing. According to the Vested Outsourcing website, Vested Outsourcing is a 21st-century hybrid business model created in association with UT that was developed to help outsourc- ing companies and service providers work more collabora- tively and effectively. Vitasek argues that Vested Outsourcing creates a benefi- cial business relationship for both parties. “When companies don’t beat up their suppliers and instead work collaboratively, they get better results,” she said. “You think you’re going to get more by being a bully, but you get more by being nice. We educated companies on how to craft a deal where they don’t have to be a bully. “I think business deals have become overcomplicated, and Vested Outsourcing is an attempt at making it more about working out a deal that satisfies the vested interest of both parties.” Vested Outsourcing has gained momentum in the business world, with Microsoft and Intel both utilizing the program. Vitasek argued that Vested Outsourcing has the ability to work with all types of business. “Almost all industries have begun trying the concept,” she said. “The Department of Energy and Proctor and Gamble are both implementing Vested Outsourcing. Microsoft, while a high-tech company, pilots the concept in their accounting department. It really applies to all different services and companies.” Vitasek’s business model is transforming the way compa- nies outsource. According to a study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, three out of five companies partic- ipating in the study have utilized outsourcing as a compo- nent of their business. Vitasek also contributes her time to academia by traveling to Knoxville several times a year to teach at UT. Vitasek is a researcher at UT’s Center for Executive Education in the College of Business Administration, where she became the nation’s first instruc- tor to teach students about vest- ed outsourcing. While the vested outsourcing program has been growing suc- cessfully, Vitasek admits she still has ambitious goals for the con- cept. “My goal is that it will be as big as the Lean or Six Sigma model, which I consider to be business ideas of the decade,” she said. “I want Vested Outsourcing to become a move- ment, not just something nice to say in business. I want it to change the way we think about business agreements.” Vitasek’s career in logistics has left an impressionable mark on the way companies do busi- ness, and the business world has taken notice. Vitasek has been nationally recognized for her contribu- tions to the global supply chain industry multiple times in the past. The Journal of Commerce named her a “Woman on the Move in Trade and Transportation,” while DC Velocity Magazine gave her the moniker “Rainmaker” for her contri- butions to the growing supply chain industry. Ted Stank, marketing and logistics professor and associ- ate dean of the Center for Executive Education, said Vitasek’s recognition will be good publicity for the industry and the college. “We believe our supply chain program offers a lot to the supply chain industry,” Stank said. “For one of our faculty members to be recognized by an industry that has a huge impact on world business certainly adds an accolade to our program here at UT.” Vitasek might be well aware of her business model’s suc- cess, but she still is getting used to the idea of being named influential in World Trade. “It was a surprise to be named,” Vitasek said. “I got a real kick out of it because I was listed right above Lady Gaga. I thought, ‘Wow, supply chain is better than Lady Gaga.’” However, Vitasek acknowledges the recognition as an affirmation of her business concept’s validity. “Just to be on the same list as the others listed is very hon- oring,” she said. “I think it shows that Vested Outsourcing is here to stay. It’s not a fad. We are educating companies on how they can have better relationships with their suppliers.” • Photo courteys of supplychainnetwork.com Mag. puts alumna on ‘influential’ list
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Dixon: ‘Recruitingoverrated’
PPAAGGEE 66
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The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Thenation’s most extravagant dis-play of July 4 fireworksMonday was a triumphant cel-ebration that turned soberbriefly to commemorate the10-year mark since the Sept.11 attacks.
Tens of thousands of peoplefrom around the worldstreamed to Manhattan’s WestSide to see the pyrotechnicsshow over the Hudson Riverbetween New York and NewJersey, featuring more than40,000 shells exploding inchoreographed, multicoloredprogression.
“It’s beautiful,” said RosaRiveras, a 57-year-old healtheducator from Manhattan, asbursts of light filled the sky.“It’s amazing. I’m loving it.”
NBC ran an exclusivebroadcast from a pier alongthe river, with Nick Lachey ofthe show “The Sing-Off” host-ing. Viewers got pre-recordedperformances by Beyonce,filmed in front of the Statue ofLiberty, and country musicstar Brad Paisley. Then thefireworks lit up the sky, tightlychoreographed to a half-hoursoundtrack from Katy Perry,LeAnn Rimes, JenniferHudson and other artists.
Beth Cochran of Scottsdale,Ariz., was with two childhoodfriends from Fishkill, N.Y. Thegroup of three periodicallybroke into renditions of “GodBless America” and otherpatriotic songs.
“We do not take friendshipor freedom for granted,” saidCochran, wearing anAmerican flag tank top. “I’mproud to be an American.”
John Woods, a 52-year-oldinformation technology con-sultant from Wimbledon,England, said he appreciatedthe diversity of the crowd,which included many immi-grants and tourists fromaround the country andabroad.
“I think it’s just a celebra-tion of being an American,” hesaid.
The show, sponsored byMacy’s, paid tribute to the125th anniversary of theStatue of Liberty’s debut inNew York Harbor. Fireworksblasted off from six bargesalong the river to heights of1,000 feet.
As “Amazing Grace” wassung, bursts of golden fire-
works lit up the sky to paytribute to victims of 9/11. Bigcheers broke out in the crowdduring the finale.
All across the country,Americans marked the 235thanniversary of the signing ofthe Declaration ofIndependence with parades,fireworks, barbecues — pluspresidential campaigning, aWhite House birthday andcompetitive eating.
Thousands showed up nearthe Washington Monument toeagerly await the annual fire-works show on the NationalMall, while others were throw-ing on Hawaiian shirts andshorts to ski the still-snowyslopes at resorts fromCalifornia to Colorado.
Earlier in the day on NewYork’s Coney Island, the annu-al Nathan’s Famous JulyFourth hot dog-eating contestbrought out the biggest namesin competitive eating for aclash that was short in times-pan but high in calories.
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, ofSan Jose, Calif., wolfed down62 hot dogs and buns duringthe 10-minute contest, win-ning his fifth straight title.Sonya “The Black Widow”Thomas chowed her way tovictory in the first-everwomen-only contest, eating40 hot dogs, one shy of her2009 total.
In Boston, the annualBoston Pops concert was amust. In Akron, Ohio, the Rib,White & Blue Food Festivalwas enticing. And then, therewere Nevada’s casinos, whichpromised a pyrotechnicsextravaganza that could be agambler’s best bet.
At the mountaintop homeof Thomas Jefferson inCharlottesville, Va., officialscontinued a nearly five-decade-old tradition of swear-ing in new U.S. citizens.Seventy-seven people tooktheir oaths during a natural-ization ceremony atMonticello.
The holiday is celebrated asthe nation’s birthday, but italso was Malia Obama’s 13thbirthday. The president’s eld-est daughter had to share herparents with hundreds of oth-ers as Barack Obama and firstlady Michelle Obama invitedtroops and their families toattend a special barbecue andUSO concert on the SouthLawn.
See FOURTH on Page 3
Jamie CunninghamStaff Writer
The amount debit cardissuers can charge in transac-tion fees to the UT Book andSupply Store and collegebookstores nationwide haschanged because of a new ruleapproved by the FederalReserve Board.
In June, the FederalReserve Board passed a rulethat will chop the fees collect-ed by debit card issuers —sometimes known as “swipefees” — nearly in half, from 44cents to 21 cents.
This means that debit cardissuers can no longer chargetransaction fees that oftencost more than the cost forprocessing the transaction.
Abigail Zenner, a legislativeassistant at the NationAssociation of College Stores,said the fees were unfairbecause they were dispropor-tional to the actual cost ofclearing the transaction.
“It only costs the debit cardissuer four cents to clear atransaction; however, issuerswere charging college book-stores 44 cents,” she said.
According to the Merchant
Payments Coalition (MPC),an organization advocating fordebit card fee reform, debitcards should be consideredelectronic checks because themoney comes from the cus-tomer’s bank account.
“For almost 100 years,paper checks have cleared atpar without swipe fees,” saidthe MPC press release.
This new rule is a step clos-er to a parity between paperchecks and debit cards.
Zenner said that collegebookstores benefit more fromthe rule because most of theircustomers are college stu-dents.
“As opposed to other retail-ers, there is more of a directbenefit for students to lowerthese interchange fees,”Zenner said.
Richard Hershman, direc-tor of government relationsfor the National Association ofCollege Stores, said these“swipe fees” cost collegebookstores approximately$100 million annually.
Before the final ruling, Sen.Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), alongwith Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), et al., attempted tohinder the ruling by co-spon-
soring an amendment thatwould delay the reform.
“This push-back is anattempt to punish, to stick astick in the eye, of the finan-cial industry,” Corker said onthe Senate floor on June 8.
Frank Keating, presidentand CEO of the AmericanBankers Association, support-ed the delay amendment.
“Interchange revenue helpsbanks fight fraud, provide low-cost banking services and effi-ciently operate a paymentssystem that is seamless and oftremendous benefit to individ-uals, businesses and the U.S.economy,” he said.
The amendment failed topass the Senate, coming upsix votes shy of the 60 votesnecessary for adoption.
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) lauded the ruling as ameans to creating fairer feesfor college bookstores.
“(The rules) will finallymake swipe fee reform a reali-ty and help bring fairness,transparency and competitionto a debit card system that foryears has operated withoutthem,” Durbin said in a pressrelease. Incoming freshman walk outside the Haslam Buisness building during orientaion on
June 8. Incoming freshman attend a two day orientation throughout the summer toget their schedules and other things ready for school in the fall.
Anthony Cespedes • The Daily Beacon
See DEBIT on Page 3
Debit fee charged to bookstores cut
Nation’s birthday goes off with bang
Jamie CunninghamStaff Writer
UT lecturer Kate Vitasek was recently recognized for herwork when she was named one of World Trade magazine’smost influential people in the trade industry.
World Trade delivers business information and news tomanufacturers, retailers and wholesalers working in trade,both in the U.S. and abroad. Every year World Trade createsa list of the “Fabulous 50 Plus One” most influential list ofpeople, places and things that have contributed to the growthand evolution of the supply chain business.
This year’s list is a compilation of individuals, cities andbusiness sectors that play an important role in the global sup-ply chain business. The list ranged from product design torenewable energy to Lady Gaga.
World Trade Managing EditorLara Sowinski explained why thelist named many influencers from avariety of industries.
“Directly or indirectly, we thinkthis year’s candidates are playing apart in shaping and influencing theever-evolving global supply chain,”Sowinski said.
Though the list extends to allbusiness sectors and professionals,one of those named on the list isUT alumna Vitasek.
Vitasek, currently residing inWashington state, is a supply chainexpert and innovator in the worldof logistics. Vitasek founded VestedOutsourcing, a method that wasbased on award-winning researchfunded by the U.S. Air Force.
“In 2005, the Air Force hadasked the University of Tennesseeto look into something called per-formance-based logistics,” Vitaseksaid. “The dean had asked me towork on the project, and I believed that even though perform-ance-based logistics is a very complicated concept, we couldturn this into something that everybody could understand.”
Vitasek remembered how the extensive research on theproject presented her with an exhilarating challenge.
“As we did more research of different outsourcing deals, Irealized my challenge was conveying this concept in a waythat makes it common sense for everybody,” she said.
This “common sense logistics” eventually became VestedOutsourcing.
According to the Vested Outsourcing website, VestedOutsourcing is a 21st-century hybrid business model createdin association with UT that was developed to help outsourc-ing companies and service providers work more collabora-tively and effectively.
Vitasek argues that Vested Outsourcing creates a benefi-cial business relationship for both parties.
“When companies don’t beat up their suppliers andinstead work collaboratively, they get better results,” shesaid. “You think you’re going to get more by being a bully, butyou get more by being nice. We educated companies on howto craft a deal where they don’t have to be a bully.
“I think business deals have become overcomplicated, andVested Outsourcing is an attempt at making it more aboutworking out a deal that satisfies the vested interest of bothparties.”
Vested Outsourcing has gained momentum in the businessworld, with Microsoft and Intel both utilizing the program.
Vitasek argued that Vested Outsourcing has the ability towork with all types of business.
“Almost all industries have begun trying the concept,” shesaid. “The Department of Energy and Proctor and Gambleare both implementing Vested Outsourcing. Microsoft, whilea high-tech company, pilots the concept in their accountingdepartment. It really applies to all different services andcompanies.”
Vitasek’s business model is transforming the way compa-nies outsource. According to a study conducted byPriceWaterhouseCoopers, three out of five companies partic-ipating in the study have utilized outsourcing as a compo-nent of their business.
Vitasek also contributes her time to academia by travelingto Knoxville several times a year to teach at UT. Vitasek is a
researcher at UT’s Center forExecutive Education in theCollege of BusinessAdministration, where shebecame the nation’s first instruc-tor to teach students about vest-ed outsourcing.
While the vested outsourcingprogram has been growing suc-cessfully, Vitasek admits she stillhas ambitious goals for the con-cept.
“My goal is that it will be asbig as the Lean or Six Sigmamodel, which I consider to bebusiness ideas of the decade,”she said. “I want VestedOutsourcing to become a move-ment, not just something nice tosay in business. I want it tochange the way we think aboutbusiness agreements.”
Vitasek’s career in logisticshas left an impressionable markon the way companies do busi-ness, and the business world has
taken notice.Vitasek has been nationally recognized for her contribu-
tions to the global supply chain industry multiple times inthe past. The Journal of Commerce named her a “Woman onthe Move in Trade and Transportation,” while DC VelocityMagazine gave her the moniker “Rainmaker” for her contri-butions to the growing supply chain industry.
Ted Stank, marketing and logistics professor and associ-ate dean of the Center for Executive Education, saidVitasek’s recognition will be good publicity for the industryand the college.
“We believe our supply chain program offers a lot to thesupply chain industry,” Stank said. “For one of our facultymembers to be recognized by an industry that has a hugeimpact on world business certainly adds an accolade to ourprogram here at UT.”
Vitasek might be well aware of her business model’s suc-cess, but she still is getting used to the idea of being namedinfluential in World Trade.
“It was a surprise to be named,” Vitasek said. “I got a realkick out of it because I was listed right above Lady Gaga. Ithought, ‘Wow, supply chain is better than Lady Gaga.’”
However, Vitasek acknowledges the recognition as anaffirmation of her business concept’s validity.
“Just to be on the same list as the others listed is very hon-oring,” she said. “I think it shows that Vested Outsourcing ishere to stay. It’s not a fad. We are educating companies onhow they can have better relationships with their suppliers.”
• Photo courteys of supplychainnetwork.com
Mag. puts alumna on ‘influential’ list
InSHORT Friday, July 8, 20112 • The Daily Beacon
Dr. Al Hazari, chemistry professor, demonstrates a “lip print” in the Fun with Forensics Chemistry camp on June 13. The sixth through eighth graders were able to learnscientific and chemical principles and techniques used to solve crimes.
Taylor Gautier • The Daily Beacon
1951 - Paris celebrates 2,000th birthdayOn this day in 1951, Paris, the capital city of
France, celebrates turning 2,000 years old. In fact,a few more candles would've technically beenrequired on the birthday cake, as the City of Lightswas most likely founded around 250 B.C.
The history of Paris can be traced back to aGallic tribe known as the Parisii, who sometimearound 250 B.C. settled an island (known today asIle de la Cite) in the Seine River, which runsthrough present-day Paris. By 52 B.C., JuliusCaesar and the Romans had taken over the area,which eventually became Christianized and knownas Lutetia, Latin for "midwater dwelling." The set-tlement later spread to both the left and right banksof the Seine and the name Lutetia was replacedwith "Paris." In 987 A.D., Paris became the capitalof France. As the city grew, the Left Bank earned areputation as the intellectual district while theRight Bank became known for business.
During the French Renaissance period, from thelate 15th century to the early 17th century, Parisbecame a center of art, architecture and science. Inthe mid-1800s, Napoleon III hired civic plannerGeorges-Eugene Hausmann to modernize Paris.Hausmann's designs gave the city wide, tree-linedboulevards, large public parks, a new sewer systemand other public works projects. The city contin-ued to develop as an important hub for the arts andculture. In the 1860s, an artistic movement knownas French Impression emerged, featuring the workof a group of Paris-based artists that included
Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.Today, Paris is home to some 2 million residents,
with an additional 10 million people living in thesurrounding metropolitan area. The city retains itsreputation as a center for food, fashion, commerceand culture. Paris also continues to be one of theworld's most popular tourist destinations,renowned for such sights as the Eiffel Tower (builtin 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary ofthe French Revolution), the Arc de Triomphe, theChamps-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral (built in1163), Luxembourg Gardens and the LouvreMuseum, home to Leonardo da Vinci's painting"Mona Lisa."
1994 - North Korea's "Great Leader" diesKim Il Sung, the communist dictator of North
Korea since 1948, dies of a heart attack at the ageof 82.
In the 1930s, Kim fought against the Japaneseoccupation of Korea and was singled out by Sovietauthorities, who sent him to the USSR for militaryand political training. He became a communist andfought in the Soviet Red Army in World War II. In1945, Korea was divided into Soviet and Americanspheres, and in 1948 Kim became the first leader ofthe Democratic People's Republic of Korea (NorthKorea). Hoping to reunify Korea by force, Kimlaunched an invasion of South Korea in June 1950,thereby igniting the Korean War, which ended in astalemate in 1953.—This day in history is courtesy of history.com.
Friday, July 8, 2011 The Daily Beacon • 3NEWS
Speaking to U.S. troops,Obama told them,“America is proud of all ofyou.”
“You represent the latestin a long line of heroes whohave served our countrywith honor, who have madeincredible sacrifices to pro-tect the freedoms that weall enjoy,” the presidentsaid.
Some of the Republicanshoping to replace Obama inthe White House spent partof the day campaigning instates where presidentialpolitics are as much a partof the holiday as fireworksand barbecues.
U.S. Rep. MichelleBachmann, of Minnesota,marched in a parade inClear Lake, Iowa. In NewHampshire, formerMassachusetts Gov. MittRomney and former Utah
Gov. Jon Huntsman bothmarched in the Amherstparade. Businessman andGOP hopeful Herman Cainskipped the parades butthrew out the first pitch ata minor league baseballgame in Manchester, N.H.
“Aside from the politick-ing and the handshakingand the enthusiasm thatour campaign is deter-mined to generate in thisstate, we’re going to reflecton what it means to be anAmerican,” Huntsman toldreporters. “To shareinalienable rights, to shareour Constitutional privi-leges.”
There were also fire-works mishaps Monday,including at least one deathin Oklahoma after fire offi-cials said a 20-year-old manwas struck in the throat bya rocket-type firecracker. InKansas, fireworks wereblamed for starting at leastone house fire in theTopeka area.
FOURTHcontinued from Page 1
UT Book and Supply Store Director David Kentasserts that the new rule, while helpful to profitability,will not equate to large profits.
“It would decrease our expense related to debit cardprocessing, which would help our profitability somewhat,but I don’t see it having a major impact,” he said.
As a consequence, Kent affirms that students are like-ly not to see any changes on the UT bookstore’s pricestickers.
“I don’t think it will have a major enough effect for itto affect prices,” he said.
The start date for the rule is Oct. 1. That means UTwon’t see the rule take effect in time for the upcomingFall Semester, which starts Aug. 17.
DEBITcontinued from Page 1
Katie Currie, senior in special education, practices during a bowling class on March 8. The bowling, yoga andother physical education classes are popular for UT students, giving them a break from academics each semes-ter.
Tia Patron • The Daily Beacon
Smokey says,“Recycle your
Beacon!”
I realized this week that I have an issue with peoplewho love sensational stories. Tuesday, the verdict of theCasey Anthony trial was read to not only a court roomwith people who loved a 2 year-old little girl, or lovedthe defending party, or members of the prosecution.The court room was also filled with multiple newssources and reporters. Outside of the court house, peopleeither rejoiced or despaired over the verdict. Somecommentators remarked that the jury came up with thewrong verdict and let a guilty woman walk free. Otherspointed to the central idea in the U.S. court systems:“innocent until proven guilty.”
I don’t know if you checked your Facebook onTuesday, but I sure did. Every other person wascommenting on the case. Whether the status was aboutthe idea that Casey Anthony should currently be facingthe death penalty, praying for the family, or commentingon the hypocrisy of the morals and values of otherindividuals, Facebook was also on overload. In fact, onTwitter, #notguilty was a top 10 worldwide trendingtopic.
I find it perhaps most intriguing that my home pagesite, BBC News, actually had a column explaining to itsother worldwide readers why this specific trial hadcaptivated the American public. They pointed to thecrazy conjectures that Ms. Anthony had come up with,the accusations that ran rampant throughout the wholecase, and even simply, just the picture of the youngCaylee Anthony. The picture, the columnist argues,provided the biggest sense of connection to theAmerican public. The American public tried to find thegirl through the Amber alert system and then dreadfullywatched the body of a two year old be located andidentified as the missing Caylee. They watched in horroras a mother was named as the main suspect in the case.They tuned in every night to find out the major plotpoints during the trial. Then, they took to social mediato condemn a woman who was found innocent.
It all seemed pretty ridiculous to me. Even thecomparison between the trial and the O.J. Simpson trial
seem a bit ridiculous to me. Last week, my dad visitedmy apartment. He made my roommates and I watcha recap of the trial for that day. All three of us werehorribly uninterested. He quickly pointed out that Ishould be interested because the Body Farm, the placewhere I work, had been brought up and referencedmultiple times throughout the trial. This fact still didn’tpeak my interest.
I understand that some people have a reason to beinvested in high profile court cases. Students interestedin law and forensics are a great example of this. Dr. ArpadVass, a world renowned forensic anthropologist wasone of the star experts called to the chair in the CaseyAnthony Trial. Now, for those of you not interested inforensics or perhaps those of you who did not have HLNor Nancy Grace on 24/7 following the trial, I may needto update you on Dr. Vass. Dr. Vass works with odorsassociated with decomposing bodies. He is in the processof researching the many smells and chemicals that areemitted by bodies as they decompose. Furthermore, heis attempting to identify smells that can only beassociated with human bodies, rather than other animals.The ramifications of his work are and could betremendous in the forensic field. Detectors and cadaverdogs could be trained to only indentify human remains.Trace evidence could point to areas where adecomposing human might have been held for only asmall portion of time (this is the idea that came into playduring the Casey Anthony trial).
At this point in time, there are so many other facetsof the American justice system that should be headlinenews. Some quick statistics I found while quicklysearching the American justice system: In 2008approximately one in every 31 adults in the U.S. wasbehind bars, or on probation or parole; Seventy percentof prisoners in the U.S. are non-whites; the U.S. hasthe highest documented incarceration rate in the world.These are just some of the startling statistics in regardto the U.S. justice system.
I understand that the three I highlighted are not “underthe radar” per say, but few individuals would rather talkabout the societal impact of the prison-complex systemthan one high profile case that affects very little in termsof the entire population. These facts should be frontpage news, and that’s one of the reasons why I hatesensationalism and desire true journalism in the media.
— Brittany Vasquez is a senior in anthropology. Shecan be reached at [email protected].
There are many things about the United Statesthat I still don’t understand. Even though on MondayI took a 4th of July-inspired civics quiz, and passedwith glowing colors, I feel that my understandingof this nation in which we live is limited at best. Ican name the three branches of government, and Iknow my first amendment rights, but the realdriving forces in this land still leave me drawing ablank.
We call it by different names: the free market, the“invisible hand,” the foundation of our most excellentof democracies. Capitalism is a system that, in atextbook sense, makes a lot of sense. It is now acornerstone of American life. Indeed, it has takenhold of most of the globe and has created a globalmarketplace unlike any that has existed in the past.
As a whole, the United States has really comeout on top in terms of this global market. Ignoringfor a moment the trillions of dollars worth of debtthat we owe nationally, the U.S. is an incrediblyprosperous nation. We used to be known as thecountry that had streets paved with gold. Althoughin fact many of our roads could use a good re-paving,the hyperbole is still striking.
For some people, our economic system hascreated a space for incredible wealth and power,more money than most of us could ever dream ofhaving. And I’m not even talking about thecelebrities and CEOs who have so much ofeverything that they have to come up with new waysto spend it or give it away. There are someAmericans who have become wildly rich becausethey know how to work the system. Theyunderstand the market.
I’m not sure how many people in this countrytake advantage of the services provided by a financialadvisor, and I honestly can’t say what exactly thoseservices are. Like CIA operatives and ghostwriters,
financial advisors are phantom agents. In my mind,they love to gamble — the kind of people who, askids, set up neighborhood poker games. Investmentbankers, Wall Street big shots, all those people whowatch the ups and downs between the opening andclosing bells have a truly interesting job.
What makes it even better is that the money isn’teven real. At least, it isn’t tangible. Our stock market(the global market, too) operates on incredible faith— because rather than having huge wads of cashexchanging hands, the good and the bad of financeis particularly reliant on flashing computer screensand harried telephone calls. It seems incredible, butfortunes can now be made and lost without so muchas a quarter making it into your pocket.
There are still some businesses that will onlyaccept cash. These are usually tiny places, the kindof store or restaurant that might sell goods in masonjars. A lot of them are pretty humble anyway, whatwith all the homemade, do-it-yourself printer labeledproducts, but the fact that they only want the kindof money you can count seems almost quaint. Whatkind of place doesn’t accept credit cards these days,anyway?
But what’s frightening to me is the reality thateven those places that eschew plastic are stuckwithin the system. If the U.S. suddenly becameoverrun with zombies, and all electricity was cutout, not even cold, hard cash could buy you thesupplies you’d need to stay alive. A $20-bill wouldbe the same as a $5-bill, and $1,000 would be justas meaningless.
It isn’t that the sheets of paper are worth verymuch in and of themselves. We live in a time andplace where so much of daily life is dictated by howmuch money we have in the bank. And just as wemake plans based on the assumption that the sunwill rise again in the morning, we operate under theassumption that our money will still meansomething tomorrow. It really would take somethinglike a zombie apocalypse to disrupt the Americanway. Just in case, you should probably buy somebottled water while you can.
— Anna-Lise Burnett is a senior in global andAsian studies. She can be reached [email protected].
Friday, July 8, 20114 • The Daily Beacon
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The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee Mondaythrough Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Friday during thesummer semester. The offices are located at 1340 Circle Park Drive, 5 CommunicationsBuilding, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is availablevia mail subscription for $200/year, $100/semester or $70/summer only. It is alsoavailable online at:
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LETTERS POLICY: The Daily Beacon welcomes all letters to the editor andguest columns from students, faculty and staff. Each submission is considered forpublication by the editor on the basis of space, timeliness and clarity. Contributionsmust include the author’s name and phone number for verification. Students mustinclude their year in school and major. Letters to the editor and guest columns maybe e-mailed to [email protected] or sent to Blair Kuykendall, 1340 CirclePark Dr., 5 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The Beaconreserves the right to reject any submissions or edit all copy in compliancewith available space, editorial policy and style. Any and all submissions tothe above recipients are subject to publication.
Columns of The Daily Beacon are reflections of the individual columnist, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or its editorial staff.
THE GREAT MASH-UP • Liz Newnam
Christine Lagarde recently took commandof the International Monetary Fund (IMF),which has experienced a surge in influencefollowing the financial debacle of 2008.
Despite the embarrassing antics of formerhead Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the institutionitself has seen an upswing in participationfrom member nations over the last few years.According to the Economist, the lendingcapacity of the IMF is now in excess of $750billion dollars. That’s triple the capacity itpossessed before the worldwide recession.
Lagarde, France’s minister of finance, willbe the first woman to wield the force of theIMF. She will face a daunting task inpersuading the fund’s diverse membershipthat the institution is truly independent.
The minister’s appointment was initiallyopposed by many non-European nations,anxious to bring in new (namely notEuropean) blood. After America decided toback Lagarde’s candidacy, Mexico’s AgustínCarstens failed to kindle enough support tomount a true competition.
With the IMF’s current bent on achievingglobal macroeconomic stability, Lagarde’sperceived competency will be pivotal insecuring the confidence of client nations. Thiscould prove interesting, since Europeannations are currently the IMF’s maincustomers. To do the job well, she will needto present an unbiased perspective onEurope’s financial distress. The situation inGreece alone will likely have the new headwalking on tenterhooks.
Amassing credibility with non-Europeannations will be a definite struggle. Murmuringabounds over the IMF’s willingness to fund
European nations more freely than their non-European counterparts. Member nations willbe very unlikely to listen to the economiccounsel of an organization felt to be biased.
Lagarde could prove to be a mitigatinginfluence in this area if she plays her cardsright. Unfortunately, the deck isundoubtedly stacked against her. It willtake time for nations outside of the IMF’swestern coalition to rally around yetanother European representative.
This fiery Frenchwoman may, however,be the perfect personality to remedy thesituation. Regarded worldwide for herstraightforward nature and practicality,Lagarde is not one to beat around the bush.Her experience as a respected financeminister will certainly prove valuable,having survived the French political arenalargely unscathed.
During her time in office, she did muchto further liberal economic policies. In asomewhat radical move for the French, shehas worked to streamline the productivity ofthe nation’s public sector. Lagarde also hasexperience as the international president ofthe law firm Baker & McKenzie.
There is no doubt that her credentials areon par, but it will take a definitive dose ofcharm for Lagarde to win the affection ofsome of the forgotten members of the IMF. Astep in the right direction might be toincrease the voting power of nations likeChina, Russia, and Brazil, who areantiquatedly distanced from leadership in thefund.
Optimists think her expertise as both anarbitrator and a politician will help Lagardewin the battles waiting to be fought withinthe IMF. Only global economic stability hangsin the balance.
— Blair Kuykendall is a junior in the CollegeScholars Program. She can be reached [email protected].
For over 30 years, Michael K. Smith, Ph.D., and his teachers have helped UT students prepare for the GRE/ GMAT/ LSAT. Our programs offer individual tutoring, practice tests, and computer- adaptive strategies at a reasonable price. Programs can be designed around your schedule, weekdays, weeknights, or weekends. Conveniently located at 308 South Peters Rd. Call (865)694-4108 for more information.
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PT retail clerk needed for liquor store. 20- 30hrs/wk. For more information call Jim at (865)573-1320.
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We are searching for a nu-turing responsible person to care for our baby boy in our home 4 miles west of down-town. Position would begin in mid August for 20-40 hours per week. Needs someone with availability during business hours. If in-terested contact Stephanie @ [email protected].
UNFURN APTSRReenntt nnooww ffoorr JJuunnee!! 1 and 2BR Apts. UT area. (865)522-5815. Ask about our special.
CCAAMMPPUUSS 22 BBLLOOCCKKSS2BR apt. with washer/dryer $845. 1BR $495- $625. Studio $445. Restored Hardwood Floors Historic Fort Sanders No pets. UTK-APTS.com(865)933-5204.
3 blocks from UT Law School (1543- 1539 Highland Ave.) 1BR and 2BR apts. only. Brick exterior, carpet, laun-dry facility on first floor. Guaranteed and secured parking. 24 hour mainte-nance. No dogs or cats. 31st year in Fort Sanders. [email protected]. (865)522-5700.
KKEEYYSSTTOONNEE CCRREEEEKK2BR apartment. Approx 4 miles west of UT on Middle-brook Pike. $497.50. Call (865)522-5815. Ask about our special.
South Knoxville/UT down-town area 2BR apts. $475. Call about our special (865)573-1000.
3 blocks behind UT Law School. 1, 2 and 3BR apart-ments. VERY LARGE AND NEWLY RENOVATED TOP TO BOTTOM. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, porches, 3BR’s have W/D connec-tions. 2 full baths, dishwash-ers. Guaranteed secured parking. 24 hour mainte-nance. No dogs or cats. [email protected]. (865)522-5700.
FOR RENT1BR $575 2BR $700. 4408 Kingston Pike, across from Fresh Market on bus line. Call 219-9000.
3BR 2BA house. 10 minutes to UT. W/D $975/mo. plus utilities. Available August 1. (423)283-9355.
CCAAMMBBRRIIDDGGEE AARRMMSSJust 4 miles west of campus. Small pets allowed. Pool and laundry rooms. 2BR at great price! Call (865)588-1087.
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FOR RENTFive room basement apart-ment, South Knoxville. Fenced yard, CH/A, cable, frig, stove, W/D hookup. Pets okay with approval. $575/mo. plus deposit. (865)384-5183.
3BR/2BA at 22nd & High-land. Balcony, 2 assigned parking spaces, W/D, DW, MW, Cable & Hi-Speed Internet incl. $1425=$475/BR/mo, $450 Security Deposit, No pets. Avail July 9. Call 865-209-8684.
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3 min. walk to Law School. $$448800RR. $$330000SSDD. No app. fee. 865 (440088--00000066,, 225500--88113366).
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FOR RENTSigning bonus $500 or re-duced rent your choice. Spa-cious 1BR apt. available now. Must rent 12 mo. lease. W/D, fireplace, superior floor plan, balcony and more. Crowne at Campus Pointe. (615)293-4237 or e-mail [email protected] (with approved credit).
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WWAALLKK TTOO CCAAMMPPUUSSGreat Specials! 1BR Apart-ments. Available. No secu-rity deposits. Prime Campus Housing (865)637-3444. pri-mecampushousingtn.com.
HOUSE FOR RENT3BR 2BA townhouse in Fort Sanders. Central H/A, W/D, DW and parking. For more info contact 865-567-4604.
6BR house available for fall. 2 blocks from campus on Clinch. Hardwood floors. Call for info 525-3369.
Great Forest Ave. loca-tion near 17th. 3 large BR/1BA, CH/A, old style hardwood flooring, dish-washer, newly rebuilt back porch, off-street parking,. 1625 Forest. $1320/mo. No pets. 389-6732/ (615)300-7434.
CONDOS FOR RENT3BR, 2BR Renaissance II. Walk to class. $1350/mo. All appliances and W/D. Free parking. [email protected]. (865)740-4425.
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CONDOS FOR RENTAvailable now. 3BR, 2BA 1800 sq.ft. West Knoxville Condo. All appliances including W/D. Plenty of parking. $1025/mo. (865)242-0632. https://sites.google.com/site/donnellypropertymanage-ment/
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Don’t wait! Only a few re-maining! 2&3 bedroom units starting at $325 per bedroom. Inclues inter-net, cable, and parking. Most units have W/D’s. University Real Estate and Property Mgmt, LLC (865)673-6600 www.ure-housing.com.
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Lake Plaza 1735 Lake Ave. New, safe, 6th floor. As-signed parking spaces in high rise gated garage. Walk to class. Need two female stu-dents. Available August 1, for 10 months. W/D, cable, internet, balcony. $625/m plus shared electricity. No pets. (615)972-8703. [email protected].
CONDOS FOR SALEBeautiful 2BR condo with open floorplan, fireplace, garage. Minutes from cam-pus. $117,900. More info at www.knoxvillehomemarket.com or call Jan Cole Realty Executives (865)-455-5050.
FFOORR SSAALLEEPopular condos in the UT area within walking dis-tance to campus. Why pay rent when you can own? Lake Plaza, Franklin Station, St. Christopher, Renaissance, & Game Day. Michele Garren, Univer-sity Real Estate and Prop-erty Management, LLC (865)673-6600.www.ure-housing.com. Ask about investor units.
HOMES FOR SALEBearden/Forest Brook area, $159,000, private fenced yard, many updates, 3BR/2BA, available immed., Catherine Traver, Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace (865)256-3779.
ENTERTAINMENTFriday, July 8, 2011 The Daily Beacon • 5
How have you been handling the dog days of summer?As the thermometer mercury hovers steadily around 90 degrees,
the desirability of outdoor activity plummets like the concrete deck-ing of the Henley Street Bridge. One must either bravethe heat or be resigned to indoor activities.
All too much have I chosen the latter, playing a lotof video games and reading some books, and trying todraw some great philosophical thesis from these stim-uli. Altogether cheaper than summer school, but alsofairly idle.
In isolation, one may draw any number of fascinat-ing conclusions from one’s studies of literature and art,and perhaps can build a whole lifestyle from the reve-lations found while digging through masterworks andobscurities alike. The problem with cloister immersionin anything beautiful, however, is twofold.
First, in doing so you lack the joy of sharing yourdiscoveries with another. There is no stronger bond, inmy humble opinion, than one formed over the mutuallove of a song or film. When you look into another per-son’s eyes at such a moment, platonic or romantic, thesense of having found a kindred spirit is unlike anyother, and should be felt as often as possible.
The second problem, going more along the lines ofbuilding your life on the mantras of other, is that with-out both positive and negative feedback, you riskbecoming intellectually autonomous to a fault. That isto say, one must always think for one’s own self, but totest your theories and arguments against others not only strengthensyour thesis, but also reveals the glaring holes and points to reconsid-er in growing mentally. This fundamental interaction is the founda-tion of democracy, and for good reason.
We in America are often accused of harboring one-sided views,unable to see anything outside the periphery of our tunnel of desire.I feel this has been proven by the nature of news networks, reality tel-evision shows and the majority of the programming on formerly “edu-cational” channels such as History and The Learning Channel.
The pundits and reality contestants often fall into denigrating theviews of their opponents, be it the opposite side of the aisle or that
treacherous roommate who just stole your hook-up from the bar.Same thing, really.
The channels which used to offer unbiased educational program-ming now offer the following: “Sarah Palin’s Alaska,” in which welearn how to exploit the nature for personal gain under the guise of“naturalism,” eight hours minimum per day of WWII reruns, lest weforget how awful and maniacal Hitler was, and perhaps my favorite ofthe whole bunch, the “revealed” and “debunked” line of shows.
Here we have “archaeologists” such as Simcha Jacobovici — who’sactually a journalist — and conspiracy theorists like Brad Meltzer, apolitical thriller writer and comic artist, both of whom seek to stripback layers of misleading machination across centuries, in the hope offinding definitive truths on such topics as the location of the Holy
Grail and whether or not the nails from Jesus Christ’s crucifixion arein existence today. These are just two of the more well-known topicstackled on such programs, but you get the idea. While both “TheNaked Archaeologist” and “Decoded” present fascinating theses attimes, ultimately they thrive on being contrary in a way that onlyleaves more questions instead of the answers for which we sit throughhours of pedantic babble and crap special effects.
I’ve said before that television can be a power uniting tool, and Ibelieve it. The most obvious incarnation of this idea is that of the one-way mirror in “1984,” where the on-screen talent can see any viewerat any time, effectively policing and corralling the populace. But
before the advent of YouTube, IM and Skype, television was arguablythe fastest means of mass communication. Perhaps these break-throughs are the reasons we have ditched this function for themachine, but I don’t feel that that argument justifies giving every foolwith an idea and some initiative a show where they air their self-incu-bated rants as “fact.”
I’m as much of an advocate of the First Amendment as anyone else,if not more. If anything, I think our freedom of expression is morerepressed now than it has ever been by simply observing the contentof television today, a format largely guided by Rupert Murdoch, TedTurner and the Illuminati who make up Viacom and Disney.
What one might see, just stripping back this initial layer of fat andadvertising, is the political discussion which will dictate America’s
future. Instead of the political debates of past eras,which still take place but are more convenient indigest form of “Rachel Maddow” or “Fox andFriends,” but through sitcoms and and dramas whichattempt to portray real American lives, or documen-taries which sell themselves as “factual” and “educa-tional,” but more often than not betray a political orreligious bias that appeals to a fringe element of con-servative Christians in this nation.
All that being said, regardless of the incessantspamming that results from any session in front of acable-equipped television, I know there are gems tobe found. Where else in the world can we idolizemorally bankrupt ad men and crusading serial killers,just channels away from ironically hilarious evidencefor cases of police brutality and tonight’s Bravesgame? How about understanding a polygamist fami-ly’s struggle for legitimacy and normalcy, or the lega-cy of a chemistry teacher turned meth cook just try-ing to support his family?
For all the visages en plastique that we must suf-fer through, there are always stories which will capti-vate and educate. Sure, television is largely a tool forinsular proselytizing and indoctrination and will like-ly suffer a fall from popularity in the next decade as
entertainment becomes more stream-lined to gratify more quicklyand thoroughly. But more importantly, it is a ready authority on vir-tually anything in the world, a forum for opinions and insight intogoings-on in the world more accessible than any paper or blog, mag-azine or message board. Keeping in mind that nothing presented ontelevision is absolutely true or false, we should celebrate the instru-ment whose very existence proves we can say almost anything wewant and get away with it, with “I’m really sorry” as the worst conse-quence.
— This ad was brought to you by TV for President 2012.
Television a bastion of the First Amendment
Jake LaneArts & Entertainment Editor
• Photo courtesy of TLC
Friday, July 8, 20116 • The Daily Beacon THESPORTSPAGE
In college football, recruiting hasbecome a season of its own.
This is most apparent in theSEC.
Fans cling to every word that a17- or 18-year-old high school stu-dent says regarding a visit to aschool and hope he chooses toattend their university to play foot-ball.
Take last Friday for example.Brian Kimbrough, a speedy,
undersized running back fromMemphis regarded as the best or atleast one of the top prospects inTennessee this year, verbally com-mitted to Vanderbilt along withtwo other in-state players.
On various message boards andsports radio shows, Commodoreand Volunteer fans went back andforth trash-talking.
While it’s interesting that one ofthe most highly-ranked runningbacks — not just in Tennessee, butin the country — announced hisintentions to play for the SEC’sonly private school, it doesn’t sig-nal that the Commodores will beplaying in the SEC ChampionshipGame, or even a bowl game for thatmatter, anytime soon.
It’s July.Recruits can’t sign their nation-
al letter of intent to officially “com-mit” to a school until next February— unless they graduate from highschool a semester early and enrollin college for the Spring Semester.
This means Kimbrough andevery other high school senior canchange his mind after a visit toanother school, a coaching changeor any number of other reasons, forthe next seven months.
This is one of the reasons whyTennessee coach Derek Dooley andhis staff aren’t making as big asplash in recruiting as otherschools. Dooley has stated onnumerous occasions that his phi-losophy involves a much morethorough evaluation of prospectsthan most other coaches. And hedoes this for a reason.
Verbal commitments in Julyaren’t a big deal.
Currently, Tennessee has threepublic, verbal commitments —running back Imani Cross, wide
receiver Corey Smith and line-backer Khalid Henderson. By com-parison, Alabama, Florida andGeorgia all have at least 10 publiccommitments right now.
Yet, while UT’s three biggestrivals in football are all picking upcommitments left and right, itdoesn’t mean they will be ahead ofthe Vols in the over-analyzed finalrecruiting rankings in February.After all, they don’t give out anational championship for recruit-ing. But if they did, it would be thefirst — and maybe only — titleLane Kiffin has a chance to win.
Look at Kiffin’s lone recruitingclass at UT. His 2009 class wasregarded as one of the top in thecountry, especially given the shorttime he and his staff had to recruitplayers to Knoxville.
It was an impressive haul onpaper. That class consisted of 22signees. At least 10 of thosesignees are no longer on UT’steam.
Players such as Bryce Brown,Janzen Jackson and Nu’KeeseRichardson weren’t even on theVols’ recruiting radar until afterKiffin arrived.
Likewise, this past year, Dooleyand his staff managed to swayoffensive guard Marcus Jacksonfrom Miami, defensive end/line-backer Curt Maggitt from Floridaand running back Marlin Lanefrom Clemson before signing day.All three had previously commit-ted to a school, but later “de-com-mitted” and ultimately signedwith the Vols.
Like those three and countlessothers across the country, expectKimbrough to “de-commit” fromVandy and sign elsewhere.
Whether a “big-name” schoolsuch as Auburn lures him to thePlaines, or whether he can’t getadmitted due to academics, it’d bealmost as big a shock seeing himactually line up in theCommodores’ backfield as himcommitting to Vandy in the firstplace.
But Kimbrough’s commitment— and recruiting in general — arevastly overrated to begin with.
— Matt Dixon is a senior in jour-nalism and electronic media. Hecan be reached [email protected] and followedon Twitter at @MattDixon3.
Matt DixonSports Editor Matt Dixon
Sports Editor
Months of speculation and rumors ended on Wednesday when Tennessee announced Janzen Jackson had enrolledin the second session of summer school classes.
Jackson, a junior free safety for the Volunteers, withdrew from school during the Spring Semester to deal withpersonal issues. He is expected to partic-ipate in the team’s fall camp, which startslater this month.
Last season, he recorded 69 tacklesand five interceptions on the way to thecoaches’ All-SEC second-team honors.
A highly ranked defensive back fromLake Charles, La., Jackson has been amainstay in the Vols’ secondary the pasttwo seasons, starting 22 games.
His return boosts a unit that struggledat times last season to play a nickeldefensive, which uses five defensivebacks on the field.
Jackson missed all of UT’s springpractice and was also absent for virtuallyall of the team’s bowl practice lastDecember.
““SSwwaaggggeerr”” oonn wwaattcchhDefensive back Prentiss Waggner was
one of 65 players chosen to the preseasonChuck Bednarik watch list, given annual-ly to the nation’s top defensive player.
Waggner, a junior from Clinton, La., split time between the strong safety and cornerback positions last season,starting the first seven games as a strongsafety and the last six as cornerback. Hespent the majority of spring practiceworking at safety with Jackson away fromthe team, but is expected to stay at cor-nerback — the position coaches believebest suits his ability — with Jacksonreturning to school.
Last season, he tied Jackson for theteam lead in interceptions with five,returning three for touchdowns — a sin-gle-season school record. He also led theSEC with three fumble recoveries to goalong with 57 tackles and nine passesdefended. For his play, Waggner wasselected to the Associated Press All-SECsecond team.
In April, Waggner was named to theLott IMPACT Trophy Award watch list,also given to college football’s top defen-sive player.
BBrraayy,, PPoooollee rreeccooggnniizzeeddOn the other side of the ball, quarter-
back Tyler Bray and tailback Tauren Poole were named two of the 66 players on the Maxwell Award watch list, givento the most outstanding player in college football.
Former UTq u a r t e r b a c kPeyton Manningis the only Vol tohave won theMaxwell award,doing so in 1997.
Bray, the Vols’sophomore sig-nal-caller, startedthe last fivegames of the2010 season, fin-ishing with 1,849passing yardsand 18 touch-downs, both UTf r e s h m a nrecords.
Last year, inhis first season asa starter, Poolerushed for 1,024yards, earningAll-SEC honorable mention by the Associated Press. He topped the century mark in sixgames, tied with Auburn’s Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton for most in the SEC.
Now a senior, Poole could become just the second Vol in the program’s history to raceback-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
— Matt Dixon is a senior in journalism and electronic media. He can be reached [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @MattDixon3.
Jackson back in school, with Vols
Janzen Jackson fights for the ball against UNC at the FranklinAmerican Mortgage Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, 2010. Jacksonhas enrolled back at UT for second session classes, which start-ed Thursday.
George Richardson• The Daily Beacon
Prentiss Waggner assists in the tackle against Florida on Sept. 9,2010. Waggner was selected for the preseason Chuck Bednarikwatch list. He also was top in fumble recoveries in the SEC.
Tia Patron • The Daily Beacon
Tyler Bray passes the ball with sights set on Tauren Poole duringthe Music City Bowl on December 30, 2010. Both Bray and Poolewere placed on the Maxwell Award watch list.
