Restless describes the atmosphere surrounding the push for health care reform as scores of Howard students traveled to the University of Maryland (UMD) Thursday morning.

“Fired up and ready to go. Fired up and ready to go” is the chant that Howard alumnus Craig Allen remembers from the rally. Obama chanted these words to ignite the crowd and prepare them for his speech since the words have served as an inspiration for him throughout his campaign.

The key point that Allen took away from the speech is that a lot of people say things that aren’t true.

Allen’s point was driven home when a man in the crowd stood up and began shouting anti-Obama remarks. Obama did not flinch when the man was speaking

and continued his speech. As security grabbed the man by the collar and escorted him out, the crowd applauded.

Once he left the rally, Allen was confronted by a sign that read, “Canada has the best health care in the world.” He still ponders about the meaning of those words.

“The fact that some people cannot afford to live is ridiculous,” Allen said.

He was not alone in his presence at UMD. More than 60 students from HU attended the rally wearing purple shirts with the slogan, “Any Other Options?”

This is the second event of the “Any Other Options?” campaign. They held a rally on Tuesday and plan to take their issues to the White House next Wednesday.

Howard students in the audience led many chants that the crowd chimed in on, such as “Yes We Can.”

THE HILLTOPVOLUME 93, NO. 19 WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM

Friday, September 18, 2009

WEATHER8462

Tomorrow: 74

Have Celebrity Outbursts Gone Too Far?

54 The Daily Student Voice of Howard University 1924Established

E&P PAGE 9

INDEX Campus 2 News 3 Nation & World 4 Sports 5 Editorials & Perspectives 7 Hilltopics 8

BREAKING NEWSFLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLERS DEFEAT HOWARD BISON IN THE SECOND FOOTBALL GAME OF THE SEASON.

CAMPUS

PAGE 2

NATION & WORLDSEE HOW THE FRENCH PLAN TO CUTBACK ON SWINE FLU BY CUTTING BACK ON KISSING.Notebook

Friday’s

PAGE 4

FIND OUT WHAT THE ADMINISTRA-TION IS DOING TO PROTECT STU-DENTS FROM SWINE FLU.

BY JESSICA LEWISCampus Editor

Obama Delivers Health Care Speech to Students at the University of Maryland

Zelena Williams - Photo Editor

President Obama delivered a speech to thousands of students at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.

Students Address Gun Violence at Campus Rallies Across the Nation

HU Implements Long Awaited Recycling Program

Oluyomi Sodunke- Staff Photographer

A sheet of paper contains hundreds of names of friends and family members of HU students killed by gun violence.

After a year of delayed promises, Howard University will implement a university-wide recy-cling plan today.

At noon, a kick-off pro-gram will be held at the flagpole to initiate the plan.

“I am glad that we are going to be recycling because I grew up recycling. I am happy Howard finally got on board,” said Kimberly Jacobs, senior print jour-nalism major.

The 48th administra-tion of HUSA made it a priority to pressure the university to imple-ment a recycling plan in light of students’ desires and the College Sustainability Report Card. How-ever, the university was slow to act on the plan. As a consequence, the plan will come to fruition under the 49th administration almost a year later.

“I feel that it is not too late to start recycling, I just started myself,” said Aswah Crowder, se-nior broadcast journalism major. “For people that do not recycle, this will open their eyes to go green and later create a greener society.”

For the past two years, Howard University has received an “F” on the Green Report Card largely due to the lack of a visible recycling plan or progress. The Re-port Card for 2010 will be released in three weeks and Jacobs said it will put Howard University back at the forefront.

“It will put Howard Uni-versity where it needs to be in terms of global issues,” she said.

Jacobs also said she hopes recycling will become a habit among students.

Before a final date of

Sept. 1 was set for the plan, stu-dent groups were formed to advo-cate for a recycling program. The Green Bison club held a march last year in hopes of demonstrating the students’ desire to have a program, and recycling was one of the de-mands of the Sept. 4 protest.

With an actual program on the table, students are able to see the end results of their cam-paigning and efforts.

HUSA Vice-President Jerome Joseph said, “I am very ex-cited and elated that the University finally took action on what they stated they would do.”

In a university-wide e-mail, Associate Vice President of Administrative Services Michael Harris said the university-wide re-cycling program will be visible in the buildings on the Main campus, East and West campuses and all dormitories.

“It is important to note, our new recycling program places Howard University in line with President Obama’s aggressive phi-losophy on sustainable living by preserving and protecting the envi-ronment and its natural resources. Here at Howard University, we are committed to recycling all we can in an effort to reduce the Uni-versity’s carbon footprint,” Harris wrote.

The plan also puts How-ard in line with D.C. regulations, more specifically the D.C. Solid Waste Management and Multi-material Act of 1988.

Harris said that the pro-gram will be implemented gradu-ally over the next few weeks and will consist of recycle bins to col-lect paper, cans, plastics and glass will be deployed at strategic loca-tions on all three campuses.

BY CAMILLE AUGUSTINStaff Writer

In a combined effort, students from Howard University and Spelman College will march against gun violence under the direction of the “Do You Care?” campaign today.

At 6:45 p.m., students will meet at the flagpole to canvass LeDroit Park and the surround-ing neighborhoods of Howard to garner community support in the fight to end unregulated gun vio-lence.

At 2:30 p.m., Spelman College students will march around the neighborhoods surrounding Centennial Olympic Park in At-lanta with the same purpose and direction.

Mr. Howard Univer-sity 2008-2009 Melech Thomas brought the campaign to these col-lege campuses after his work with Father Michael Pflager of St. Sa-bina Catholic Church in Chicago over the summer.

“We realized that we have to come to a national con-clusion for the problem,” Thomas said.

Upon that realization, Thomas brought the fight to How-

ard University, branching off of Jocelyn Jones of St. Sabina’s “Do You Care?” campaign to provide a national solution for gun violence.

Spelman College be-came involved after the death of Spelman sophomore Jasmine Lynn on the campus of Clark-Atlanta University. Students from the cam-pus reached out to Thomas hop-ing to find a solution to common problems.

Since the inception of the campaign at Howard, Thomas has collected over 2,000 names and addresses from supportive stu-dents. The names will be used to address letters to the White House in an effort to “promote safe neigh-borhoods as well as local, state and federal legislation that push for common-sense application of the Second Amendment rights,” ac-cording to hand-outs distributed by Thomas.

The purpose of the cam-paign is to advocate for a perma-nent reinstatement of the Federal Assault Weapons Act Ban of 1994, a White House National Summit on Gun Violence and for a na-tional agency to collect, track and disseminate youth gun data.

To spread the word about the campaign, Thomas set up a table in the bottom of the

Armour J. Blackburn Center to collect the names of the Howard community’s loved ones that were killed by gun violence.

“The sad reality of it is after 24-hours of collecting sig-natures, we have already gone through a 68-ft paper roll,” Thom-as said. “There may be some stu-dents that have not been affected, but we are a part of America and the global community.”

Thomas went on to say that if one is harmed or lost, then everyone in the community is af-fected.

He said a desire for peace, justice and safety for all hu-man life will drive students to the rally today.

Anna Summer, a fresh-man international business major and campaign volunteer coordina-tor said, “I just hope that if noth-ing else, we open America’s eyes to a situation that must be fixed.”

The campaign is expect-ed to extend beyond the campuses of Howard and Spelman with abundant news presence at the rally, such as CNN and The Hilltop. Supporters also include Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Minister Louis Farrakhan and other notable names.

BY CAMILLE AUGUSTINStaff Writer

2 CAMPUS September 17, 2009

THE HILLTOP

Green Tip #9When grocery shopping, instead of using plastic bags

invest in a reusable tote bag, they are made of materials that don’t harm the environment during production.

www.goucher.edu

It’s that time of the year again! Men shed ordinary gar-ments and don dark suits and neu-tral ties. Women stand patiently outside classrooms and buildings, pretending not to be noticed. Pro-grams start a few minutes after seven o’clock, although partici-pants have been lined up silently since five. If you have not guessed by now, I’m referring to Greek pursuit season.

Fall semester is the time where Howard students tradition-ally express interest and pursue membership in Greek-letter orga-nizations. Howard is home to the most distinguished chapters of so-rorities and fraternities, and these organizations can provide tremen-dous networking and development opportunities to members. Some students’ families have a legacy of membership dating back genera-tions. In most cases, membership in these organizations is com-mendable, and even impressive. However, pursuit of membership in these organizations is often not, which threatens the rich legacy of the Howard community.

The focus during this sea-son, for those interested in mem-bership, should not be what is to be gained by joining these organi-zations. Rather, it should be eval-uating what sacrifices are being made. Many prospective members hold leadership or service posi-tions elsewhere on campus. All are full-time students. Everyone should have professional goals that require constant attention. On top of that, prospects will have to study information, attend events, and try to get to know the current members. Successfully handling these oftentimes competing pri-orities is commendable, however it is rare. Battling that rarity is the responsibility of both prospective and active members of these orga-nizations.

To the prospective mem-bers, DO NOT neglect your pre-vious commitments and priorities to pursue membership. Not only is this indicative of a lack of charac-ter on your part, it has an adverse effect on the other organizations that depend upon your efforts. Also, refrain from slacking in your academic excellence; assuming you came to Howard to gradu-ate, this pursuit, if handled imma-turely, could be a hindrance to the

overarching goal of college.To the current members,

please stress the importance of comprehensive quality to these prospective members. If the intake processes for your organizations are thirst contests, what will hap-pen to your historic chapters when they are filled with people whose only accomplishment is pursuing membership? All of you (hopeful-ly) had to go through this season, and you should be realistic in your expectations and strategic in your selections.

I am impressed when I see students who are already excellent augment their success with Greek membership. I am disgusted, and weep for the future of those very organizations, when I see the people whose academic and pre-professional journey was derailed

by pursuit. In order to feel gratified

despite the outcome of your pur-suit, you can not compromise your character for the sake of being cho-sen. In order for your chapters and organizations to continue building on their rich histories, you should expect prospective members to embody the characteristics of ho-listic quality. In order for Howard’s legacy to improve, we have to ex-pect excellence from our beloved Pan-Hellenic community.

Read more of Andrew’s columns on thehilltoponline.com

BY ANDREW JONESContributing Columnist

Student govern-ment is a major part of any school system be-cause they are the voices of their fellow peers, their constituents. However, Howard does not house just any student govern-ment. Howard student government leaders are servant leaders.

This servant men-tality is one of the main goals of the John H. Johnson School of Com-munications Student Council. Executive President Rodney Hawkins and Executive Vice-President Candace Smith, both junior broadcast journalism majors, stated that one of their biggest goals is to make the students of the School of Communications feel at one with the council.

“We basically want them to feel as though council is truly their representative voice,” Smith said. “To accomplish our goals, we plan to be extremely visible and will be accountable for every student in the School of Communications.”

A goal explicitly stated in their platform is ad-vancing the relationship among council and students. It states that each council representative will be re-sponsible for scheduling at least one class visit for each class within the school.

As a result, these visits will give council the op-portunity to meet the students as well as receive and work to resolve grievances.

Hawkins stated that he decided to run to help the students.

“I have built the connections in past student government that has allowed me to understand the issues that students face,” Hawkins said.

Creativity is also a distinct quality of the coun-cil. According to the council, their leadership qualities help to advance their goals in the School of Commu-nications.

Introducing...College of Arts and Science

Student Council

The backbone of any effective govern-ment is the members that make up that body and its leader.

Executive Presi-dent Dorien Blythers and Executive Vice-President Llewingtina King, junior political science majors, are the backbone of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (ASSC). They described their council as “progressive.”

“This year is to serve the students of the Col-lege of Arts and Sciences as a beneficial resource for academic advising, career development and through providing community service opportunities,” Blythers said.

A backbone can only be held up by a steady foundation. Blythers said the strength of the council is in its members. Art majors help with graphic design, political science majors develop and advocate for new policies and ROTC members, like King, help create an understanding of discipline in council affairs.

Blythers also said that in choosing the staff, he and King looked for students that brought something new and innovative to the council.

“Demonstrating leadership capabilities was a must, and the effort put into the application showed us how much they wanted the positions they applied for,” Blythers said.

Blythers and King have found a council that is ready to give students the “Green Light” when it comes to serving Howard University students.

“Student council has become a part of me at Howard. I realize that the ‘Change Begins with You’ idea is very true at Howard,” Blythers said.

Introducing...School of Communications

Student Council

BY CAMILLE AUGUSTINStaff Writer

Photo Courtesy of Candace Smith

Photo Coutesy of Dorien Blythers

BY CAMILLE AUGUSTINStaff Writer

HU History CornerEric Williams

Cunningham Pursues Musical Inspiration

The breeze flows outside of Founders Library, as the melodies of the trumpet roll. The sound isn’t the most popular, but when heard, it is instantly recognized. Some call it soothing, some call it the Blues, but Howard University student Hamilton Cunningham simply calls it jazz.

Cunningham is a senior transfer economics major from Atlanta. Not only is he a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar, but a Truman Scholar as well. Though Cunningham is an economics major, his passion for jazz exceeds his undergraduate field of study.

“I was first introduced to jazz music at age 20 when I began to play the trumpet; however I didn’t really get the passion for it until I came to Howard,” Cunningham said.

Growing up in Atlanta, Cunningham was rarely ever exposed to the genre. He allows his absence from jazz in the past to spear his motivation. After graduate studies, he wants to provide the city of Atlanta with what he missed out on as a child.

“I want to create a non-profit center in order to meet the disparities in jazz education in public schools now,” Cunningham said.

As a Truman Scholar, Cunningham receives $30,000 for his graduate school education.

He is required to attend graduate school in preparation for a career in government or public service. While trying to stay true to his passion, he plans to incorporate jazz in his graduate school studies.

Economics professor Omari Swinton was a

great help to Cunningham during his Truman Scholar application process. Swinton often spent his office hours providing assistance for Cunningham.

“He has such a strong passion for music that it was shown through his words in the proposal he had to submit for the Truman Scholar application,” he said. “People who are that passionate about anything always have a way in making others care.”

He said that he can see Cunningham being successful at whatever he attempts.

Cunningham has worked hard, earning his educational funding, and has committed the time required of him. He started off as a community college student in Georgia but he wanted help build upon Howard’s rich

legacy. “ P e o p l e

on this campus are so involved in the community and they’re so a m b i t i o u s , ” C u n n i n g h a m said. “Having the opportunity to attend classes with students with such diverse career interests definitely keeps me on my toes.”

From the moment Cunningham arrived to the Mecca, he began his journey as an advocate of jazz music. One of his biggest inspirations is jazz artist Roy

Hargrove. “When you break it

down and look at what jazz represents, then you can get into why I’m such an advocate,” he said.

Looking at times of

racial oppression when jazz originated, Cunningham said the music speaks to the resilience of the American spirit. “Think about that, all the stuff that was going on, despite all that, we managed to create this beautiful art form,” he said.

Cunningham believes that jazz music represents the emerging of two cultures. Jazz incorporates Western dance rhythm and African poly-rhythmic propositions. It merges Western European harmony with African pan-

tonic harmony. “The idea of

improvisation; that’s representative of the first amendment freedoms, the right of free speech. Jazz is democracy. Improvisation functions as a model for the

American ideals of freedom and individualism,” he said. “So that’s why I’m such a big advocate, but to get back to why it moves me, that’s simple, it just sounds good!”

A l t h o u g h Cunningham has come a long way, he still has far to go. As the sound of the trumpet begins to cease, the journey of Cunningham continues to go on.

Bree Gant- Staff Photographer

Cunningham finds his inspiration for jazz from the history that it originated from.

BY VICTORIA FORTUNEStaff Writer

Choosing Season

Eric Williams was a respected scholar and politi-cal activist who is commonly referred to as the most intel-lectually accomplished lead-er in the English-speaking Caribbean’s history. Williams’ father was a minor civil servant, but his mother was a descendant of the French Creole elite, which afforded him an education at Queen’s Royal College in Port of Spain. He won an Island Scholarship in 1932 that allowed him to attend Oxford University where he received his doctorate in 1938.

Williams was denied the opportunity to teach in northern Europe and opted to move to the U.S. to further his career. In 1939, Williams landed on the doorstep of Howard University, which he affectionately coined “The Negro Oxford.”

He became an assistant professor of social and polit-ical sciences and organized several courses, including a humanities course for which he developed a three-volume work called “Documents Il-lustrating the Development of Civilization”. Williams quickly moved through the ranks and was appointed full professorship in 1947. While at Howard, Williams began to work as a consultant to the Anglo-American Carib-bean Commission-- a body set up after the war to study the future of the region. In 1948, he left Howard to head the Research Branch of the Caribbean Commis-sion. He later resigned from the Commission in protest

against its policies.In 1955, Williams re-

turned to his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago where he quickly jumped into the political realm and founded the country’s first formal

political party, the People’s National Movement. Wil-liams expressed through his biography that he was de-termined to show the world that a tiny group of unstable islands could join together in political unity. He became chief minister in 1956 and prime minister in 1961. He led his country to independence in 1962. During his tenured as prime minister, Williams launched several ambitious five-year development plans, attract-ing foreign capital through tax incentives and acquiring foreign aid. He governed un-der a simple independence constitution, and in 1976, he established a republican constitution for his country, making Trinidad and Toba-go a sovereign state. Dr. Eric Williams died on March 29, 1981.

Information obtained from www.trinicenter.com and www.geocities.com

BY KYLA GRANTContributing Writer

THE HILLTOP

puses in five to six different states, Howard being one of them.

“I work with students from two uni-versities in hopes that they will be allowed to speak to and interchange with students here at Howard,” Musa said.

After 2001, Cuban students were refused visas to visit campuses in the U.S., with reasons still unknown to many people.

“A lot of people do not realize that President Obama just signed to continue to enforce the current embargo on Cuba for another year,” Musa said. “This costs Cuba around a million dollars. Cubans can’t even buy aspirin from America. Students have to be personally invited.”

Interaction with international stu-dents is not rare here on campus and this would not be Howard’s first connection to Cuba. In 2002, Howard hosted two vet-eran Cuban revolutionaries, Victor Dreke Cruz and Ana Morales Varela. Cruz is the current vice-president of the Cuba-Africa Friendship Association and Morales is now a doctor and professor at the Latin Ameri-can School of Medicine in Havana.

“The students would just like to come to interact with the students here and hope-

fully this [assembly] could organize a panel or civil discussion between the two schools,” Musa said.

For the Cuban students to be able to come to Howard, an invitation must be sub-mitted to the United States Intersection in Havana, Cuba. If the invitation is accepted, the chosen students will then obtain a visa, and be allowed on campus for approximate-ly two and a half days. Schools on board with the project include faculty and staff from Georgia State University, Spelman College, Emory University, Morehouse Col-lege, University of Maryland at College Park, Bowie State University and Coppin State University.

“The students will tour campuses in five to six states. If they will be in the D.C. area, they must visit Howard,” Musa said. “Howard has always been generous in host-ing, and here civil discussion is prevalent.”

The initiative received the full sup-port of the assembly. The University of External Affairs in conjunction with HUSA will work on drafting letters and resolutions to allow the Cuban students the opportunity for which they are asking.

NEWS 3

General Assembly MeetingContinued from FRONT, GENERAL

Faraday Okoro- Co- Photo Editor

UGSA Representatives Erinn Jenkins, Christopher Bryant, Michelle Mabson and Candace Smith discuss the meetings agenda before last night’s session began.

ings in several other states, includ-ing Alabama and Louisiana. Malvo, who testified against Muhammad, was convict-ed in one of the Virginia shootings and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Muhammad has a complex history of appeals for his 2003 death sentence.

In May, in a letter dated April 23, Muhammad wrote to Virginia prosecutors saying that he wants to waive all rights to appeal. He added that the appeals filed on his behalf were not authorized. Later that month, Muhammad appealed to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to over-turn his conviction and death sentence or return the case to the trial court for fur-ther proceedings the appellate judges may deem appropriate.

The ruling for the federal appeal came last month when the three-judge panel voted unanimously to reject Mu-hammad’s argument that prosecutors withheld critical evidence and that Mu-hammad should never have been allowed to act as his own attorney for a portion of his trial because he was mentally im-paired.

Jonathan Sheldon, Muhammad’s attorney, said Muhammad would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and ask Gov-ernor Timothy M. Kaine for clemency.

Muhammad and Malvo were ar-rested on Oct. 24, 2002, when they were found sleeping in their blue 1990 Chev-

rolet Caprice at a rest stop off of Inter-state 70 near Myersville, Md. They were arrested on federal weapons charges. A .223-caliber weapon and bipod were found in a bag in Muhammad’s car, which was later linked the seized rifle to 11 of the 14 shootings through ballistic testing.

In Muhammad’s first trial in Oct. 2003, the prosecutor claimed that the rampage was part of a plot to kill his ex-wife and regain custody of his children. The judge later ruled that there was insuf-ficient evidence to support the argument. Prosecution called more than 130 wit-nesses and brought more than 400 pieces of evidence during the trial.

On Nov. 17, 2003, Muhammad was convicted in Virginia for all four counts against him: capital murder for the shooting of Meyers, a second charge of capital murder for intent to terrorize the government or the public at large, con-spiracy to commit murder, and the illegal use of firearm.

On May 30, 2006, a Maryland jury found Muhammad guilty of six counts of murder in Maryland and sentenced him to six consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

Shaw-Fair is among many Ameri-cans who agree to the death penalty for Muhammad.

“Law and justice are two different things, but there are times where justice can supersede the law,” she said. “If there is a reason for the death penalty, this guy is the reason.”

D.C. Sniper to be ExecutedContinued from FRONT, MUHAMMAD

4 BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY September 17, 2009

THE HILLTOP

College students and American universities as a whole are at high risk for identity theft, according to Identity Theft 911’s September newsletter.

Data security breeches exposed over 6.6 million records on campuses such as Notre Dame, Ohio University and UCLA, and although a major breech has yet to affect Howard, its students are still a prime target.

“College students are especially attractive targets for identity thieves because they have unblemished credit records, making it easy for thieves to take out loans or open new accounts in their name,” said Sari Martin of Insurance.com. “Additionally, many students may not realize the potential for fraud and do not guard personal information as closely as they should.”

Martin also warns students to guard their social security number, which is listed on almost every administrative form.

Identity Theft 911 helps over 30 million consumers, Fortune 500 companies, and some of the nation’s largest insurance carriers with fraud protection and solutions and education.

Their September newsletter advised college students and campuses to change passwords frequently using numbers, letters and symbols, password-protect your laptop, and update your security software often.

Senior nutritional science major, Alicia Jones, follows the tip of annually checking her credit report with truecredit.com and freecreditreport.com.

“I started checking my credit report and score because I wanted to make sure no accounts had been opened in my name,” she said. “I

also have two credit cards, so I want to make sure that my score is not being affected or showing any changes.”

According to a 2004 Federal Trade Commission report, Americans from 25 to 44 are most likely at risk for identity theft, but with the prevalence of technology on campuses and students’ desire to make many purchases online, the risk for college students has risen.

Denise Owens, Comerica Bank’s Texas fraud and identity theft investigator has sought scams for 18 years and says crimes usually involve transactions that wire money.

“Because college students are on the Internet so often, and they do so much of their stuff online,” Owens said, “I do see them fall victim to a lot of the Internet fraud scams.”

Online shopping, though convenient, is a breeding ground for tampering and fraud.

Students using Web sites, especially for purchases, should make sure the sites are secure and reputable.

According to Intersections, Inc., a company dedicated to corporate and personal risk management, secure Web sites should have “http” in the URL.

Users should also review the Web site’s privacy policy in order to know what their personal information may be used for; enabled cookies, attached by certain Web sites can also track usage and viewing patterns.

“Some college students are more susceptible to identity theft because they may be first-time account holders -- they’ve never had to balance a checkbook or pay bills online and they are simply not aware of the identity threats that

exist today,” said Intersections CEO Michael Stanfield.

“They also may not realize that the social networking sites they’ve essentially grown up with, expose way too much of their personal information,” said Stanfield.

The higher risk for identity tampering is also attributed to the openness on college campuses in regards to financial and personal information.

The Federal Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, fully effective on Feb. 22, prohibits credit card companies from giving students gifts in exchange for credit card applications and from sending offers unless the student agreed to have them sent, according to Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Report magazine.

“Bank of America was on campus my freshman year,” said

senior music theatre education major Maiba Bodrick. “They were passing out book bags and cups with their logo on it; a lot of my friends signed up for accounts that day.”

The Act aims at protecting students’ information on campus, but will likely increase the number of pre-approved credit card offers.

Credit card applications and acceptance letters can be used by hackers when not disposed of properly.

Many hackers target the mail and trash of college students and campuses because few handle their sensitive documents properly

With conscience effort to the protection of important documents and wariness online, students can ensure a safe future for their credit score and report.

Identity Theft a Threat to College Students

“You won’t be like a man, you’ll just pee like one”. That is the slogan of GoGirl, a new female urination device (FUD) that allows women to urinate while standing up.

Jaszmyne Fassett, frequent camper and fan of the product says “it’s about time.” Fassett, who has a knack for using public rest rooms said she is buying one for all of her friends.

Fassett is among many women who for years have squat-ted and lined public toilets to avoid contact.

“We women are very picky about a lot of things, and where we use rest room facilities is one of them. Squatting gets tiring after a while and GoGirl is the perfect so-

lution,” said the 23-year-old. GoGirl is made of medical

grade silicone that can be thrown away or washed and reused. It is not the first of its kind; European women have been using FUDs for years, and testimonials say it is the best.

GoGirl comes with tissue and a biodegradable baggie for storage or disposal. To top it off, it comes in a small discrete tube for privacy and convenience and will easily fit in your purse or pocket.

Zaisha Heardmon, a sopho-more political science major said, “it appears to be convenient,” as she looked at a picture of it, “but I would definitely have to throw mine away each time.”

Heardmon does not envi-sion herself carrying it around in her purse, tube or not, after usage.

According to the official Web site, www.go-girl.com, President

Sarah Dillon, among other users, wash theirs in the dishwasher.

The medical-grade silicone can withstand boiling water and dries quickly. Keeping in mind that urine is sterile; they recommend washing in the dishwasher.

However, not all women are hopping on the GoGirl bandwag-on.

Amirah Saafir, sophomore psychology major, doesn’t picture herself using this device.

“It seems weird, and unnec-essary,” said Saafir. “I do not feel urinating standing up is that serious of an issue to create a product like this.”

Chanel Lewis, a freshman sociology major, won’t be a part of this new phenomenon either.

“The concept seems very innovative and actually sanitary; however, the idea of it is very alien, I could not see myself using this

device.” Shacara Rogers, sopho-

more music business major, dis-agrees with Saafir and Lewis.

“I would definitely use it! It would allow me to relieve my-self in compromising positions; camping, road trips, etc.,” said the Philadelphia native.

To use a GoGirl is simple: lower your underwear, place Go-Girl against your body in order to form a seal, aim and release. The patented splash guard and unique tip design will eliminate messes or spillage.

To join the GoGirl move-ment, or find out more informa-tion visit the Web site at www.go-girl.com, or call 877-GIRL-006. Purchase one GoGirl device for $6.99 or buy three for $18.99. GoGirl clothing and gear are also available.

In Case You Were Wondering...

BY ALEXIS K. BARNESBusiness & Technology Editor

BY DIONNE L. VAUGHNContributing Writer

College students are more susceptible to identity theft than other age groups.

Stephanie Grace LIM/Charlotte Observer (MCT)

TIPS FOR COLLEGE

STUDENTS IN GUARDING

YOUR IDENTITY:

1. A Must-Have for Back-To-School: A

ShredderShredding can help

ensure that papers with personal information are properly disposed of and do not fall into

the wrong hands. Any-thing that has a student’s name and address on it should be shredded in a cross-cut shredder to be safe, including credit

card offers, bills and financial statements.

2. Check Credit Card Statements Regularly, Credit Monitoring is a

Helpful ToolStudents should check credit card and bank

statements monthly, if not more frequently, for any unusual activity. A

credit monitoring service can help fight and de-

tect identity theft, help-ing alert students when any new accounts are

opened in their name.

3. Open Sesame . . .

It is essential to create “strong” passwords. A strong password is one

that is not easy to guess, it should include both numbers and capital

letters.

4. Protect Your Computer

Use anti-virus and spyware protection.

Also, utilize a password locking system on your computer if it is left on

while you are not sitting in front of it.

5. Don’t Tell All Your Business

Reveal as little as pos-sible about yourself,

especially family name, address, phone numbers, date of birth – identity thieves only need two or three pieces of this

information to steal your

identity.

- Tips courtesy of Affinion Security Center and Intersections, Inc.

Facebook hit 300 million users worldwide according to a blog post by CEO Matt Zuckerberg who founded the Web site in 2004 as an undergraduate at Harvard.

“As of today, Facebook now serves 300 million people across the world. It’s a large number, but the way we think about this is that we’re just getting started on our goal of connecting everyone,” he said. “Earlier this year, we said we expected

to be cash flow positive sometime in 2010, and I’m pleased to share that we achieved this milestone last quarter.”

The social networking medium was at 250 million users only two months ago and 200 million three months prior to that.

Photo courtesy of MCT

Device Offers Options for Women

Many Americans en-joy indulging in over-sized meals from fast food restaurants. Such unhealthy eating habits not only affect a person’s health, but their possible employment as well.

According to HR maga-zine, “Employers are not unaf-fected by these events. Americans don’t leave their increasing waist-lines at home in the morning; they bring them to work. And those extra pounds are having serious ramifications relating to health care costs, productivity, morale and potential employee discrimi-nation.”

The higher an employ-ees body mass index (BMI) is, the more expensive their health care costs become. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveil-lance System (BRFSS), 21.8 per-cent of Washington, D.C. residents were overweight or obese in 2008.

“On average, health care for obese workers costs 36 per-cent more than for normal weight

workers, and medication costs 77 percent more,” said Roland Sturm, senior economist at RAND Cor-poration in Santa Monica, Cali-fornia in an HR magazine report.

With all of the D.C. parks and running trails that exist, some-thing can be done to combat this health issue. Former body builder, and cover holder of Flex magazine Ron Love says that it is never too late to change bad eating habits.

“There are simple things that can be done to not only change D.C. but the nation as a whole,” said Love. “For example, instead of driving to work or class if you live down the street, simply walk, and instead of eating fries and a burger replace one with a healthy salad.”

Love believes in the impor-tance of health and is displeased with the nation’s level of obesity.

D.C. resident Marquita Johnson move to the District from California four years ago. She said that she was shocked at every-one’s lack of physical fitness when she first moved here.

“When I first came to D.C., I was so surprised at how out of shape everyone is. You would

think that with all the hills people have to walk up, everyone would be in shape, but it’s the complete opposite,” said Johnson.

“I made it a personal goal to not let that happen to me during my residence in the District.”

Residents can bike at Rock Creek Park, hike at Columbia Is-land, or even take an eventful walk touring the monuments. All of these activities are free and resi-dents can partake in them to work toward a healthy lifestyle.

METRO 5September 17, 2009

THE HILLTOP

As the U.S. health care de-bate spreads to every crevice of the country, Americans seek venues where they can iron out its details.

This proved true at Dis-trict café-restaurant, and poetry hotspot, Busboys and Poets Tues-day evening. More than 100 hun-dred jean and suit-clad D.C. visi-tors and residents filed into the art splattered restaurant to attend a town hall meeting moderated by WAMU radio’s Kojo Nnamdi, featuring Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic Na-tional Committee.

Dean declared an early vic-tory in the grand debate and en-couraged pro-reform attendees to

remain steadfast in their hope. “We are going to get this

passed,” Dean said. “And I think what we get passed will include a public option. The Democrats just don’t know it yet.”

When Nnamdi asked Dean whether or not reform would ex-pand the budget deficit, Dean said that if anything, it will grow small businesses and create new jobs.

“When you hear figures like $900 billion dollars that means the government will spend $900 billion more; that doesn’t mean it’s going to cost you that much more,” said Dean. “Since every dollar of our property tax rate goes to county hospitals, we need this bill.”

Dean explained that the $900 billion “would not come all out of your pocket” because that

money would offer a reduced prop-erty tax—a big help for small busi-nesses.

“We do almost nothing for small businesses in this country. Small businesses create 80 per-cent of all new jobs in America. We could use some new jobs right now,” Dean said. “So, it’s not like we’re just spending all this money we don’t have. It’s a transfer.”

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that a re-cord 47 million Americans are without health insurance, while the Children’s Defense Fund says an estimated 9 million of the nation’s youth remain uninsured.

Dean highlighted a concern that gnaws at the nerve so many Americans seek to sedate—weigh-ing the costs and benefits of creat-ing a universal health care system that includes a public option.

Health care reform advo-cates contend that a government-run public option promotes compe-tition— something the U.S. health care system lacks—with private in-surers, potentially prompting them to lower costs.

Anti-reform advocates claim that a public option would bank-rupt private insurers.

He was met with wild ap-plause as he lambasted Republican congressmen for accepting gov-ernment-run health care for them-selves while denying it to everyday citizens.

“Just give us a choice! Stop making choices for us. What right do you have to make choices for us?” Dean said. “If you don’t want single-payer, then fine. Keep what you’ve got. I wish Republicans

would stop telling people what to do in their private lives and keep their hands out of our health insur-ance.”

Recent Vassar University graduate Ryan Harper, 22, lament-ed being without health care since earning her degree and moving to Washington. She attended the town hall to hear a solution.

“I don’t get my parents’ plan anymore, and my job doesn’t have health care benefits. That hasn’t been good,” Harper said. “I have a few pre-existing conditions, so I can’t get my own insurance. I’m 22. That’s ridiculous. This is per-sonal to me.”

Buffalo, N.Y. resident and D.C. visitor Wendy Clark lauded Dean as a champion of reform.

“Like Ted Kennedy, he has all the right ideas,” said Clark. “Right now, my premiums are be-coming a burden. Over the last five years, they have doubled, and my son will soon be aged out of my policy. It has to be done.”

D.C. area native Paulette Littlejohn criticized the Republi-can side of the isle for attacking the public option.

“From what I’ve heard and read on the Internet, Howard Dean has good ideas about this,” said Littlejohn. “People are so funny. We already have government-run health care. That’s what Medicaid is. So, I don’t want to hear it.”

BY JESSICA HARPERContributing Writer

Howard Dean Fires Up U Street at Busboys and Poets Town Hall

Weekend Guide

Words, Beats & Life BootlegFestival:Mixtapes, Films, and Hip-Hop’s Underground Econ-omy

Thursday–Saturday

U Street/Various locations

Panels, workshops, film screenings, poetry/open mic, concerts

$40- All-Access Pass; $5- indi-vidual events; some events are free

National Black L.U.V. Festival

Sunday12:00 – 7:00

Fannie Lou Hamer Park4th & Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

HIV/AIDS test-ing, performances, outside games, speakers, health care and wellness discussion

Free

Tia’s Way 5K Walk/RunCervical Cancer Walk

Saturday Registration: 9:00 a.m.Walk: 10:00 a.m.

Fort Dupont Park3600 F St. SE

$25

Greater U St. Parade and Festival

Saturday 11:00 – 5:00

Lincoln Theater1215 U Street NW

Parade, Langston Hughes street sign unveiling, festival, block party, musi-cal performances

Free

-Compiled byGenet Lakew, Metro

Editor

Many students across the country can agree that it is diffi-cult to acquire substantial living while attending college.

Whether it is a dormi-tory, apartment, house, or any other form of residency, college students across the nation face discrimination when trying to obtain a home. The Fair Housing Act aims to make everyone con-scious of his or her rights in terms of housing.

Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, John Trasvina desires to build student’s knowledge about their housing rights.

“This act has been around since 1968 and stemmed from the Civil Rights Movement and the

assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. President Johnson spoke to the people and they said they needed a fair housing act, shortly after it was passed by Congress,” Trasvina said.

In 1974, women were add-ed to the Act, and then in 1988 provisions with children and the disabled were made.

Trasvina says that if he could give students one message, it would be to “know that you have rights, you should be treated fairly, and that everyone should be able to receive substantial living.” No matter what ethnicity, age or gender a person is, they have a right to substantial living.

Students often bare the brunt and misfortune of not be-ing able to find housing. This is not necessarily collegiate hous-ing; it is sometimes housing back

home. Howard University student

Tamila Myles is a prime example of this epidemic because she is currently without a permanent residence. She has university housing, but was forced to re-main in D.C. during the summer because she had no permanent home to return to.

“My mom is disabled; her disability had to do with her not being able to pay the rent on time,” said Myles. “I honestly think that the government should do a little bit more for students in my situation, they should help us out.”

While this specific situa-tion may not hit close to home for everyone, the fact that every-one should be aware of his or her rights is national. D.C. resident Justin Lamb had no prior knowl-

edge of the act. “I have never heard of Fair

Housing rights, but I do think that it would be beneficial for ev-eryone,” said Lamb. “I think that being young and Black, when you go to certain complexes they automatically assume you don’t have the funds to pay rent and treat you differently.”

Being aware of the Fair Housing Act can prevent future discrimination.

Those who came from mi-nority families or are first genera-tion college graduates are the gate way to affecting the democracy,” said Trasvina.

Awareness is the first step to making a change in creating an equal and fair opportunity for everyone.

College Students, Housing DiscriminationBY TSIGHIE FOSTERStaff Writer

Obesity in D.C. Affects Employability and Health Insurance CoverageBY TSIGHIE FOSTERStaff Writer

Howard Dean helped to lead a discussion on the pro-posed health care reform at the local Busboys & Poets

Jessica Harper - Contributing Writer

Howard Dean helped to lead a discussion on the proposed health care reform at the local Busboys & Poets, alongside radio host Kojo Nnamdi.

Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentine (MCT)

Obesity is an issue that the nation’s capital faces but residents have options for exercise, either in outdoor parks or centers such as Banneker field. There are also gyms and sports clubs.

It’s almost here: transition season. The most difficult time to figure out what to wear during fluctuating temperatures. Add to that the challenge of looking up-to-date without tossing out last fall’s wardrobe and starting over.

It’s cool in the morning and again in the evening, but warm during the day, so what temp should we dress for? Trying to decide is not fun.

“Not true! Late summer marks a transition, but it doesn’t mean the fun has to end when it comes to getting dressed,” said Leah Doshier at Section 37 boutique in St. Louis.

Doshier advises shopping for clean lines or slightly embellished pieces with crochet or beads. “These can be worn alone

now, and layered for later in colder temps,” she said.

Monica Smits at Aspen Boutique also likes the challenge of making the transition to fall while updating your wardrobe for the new season.

“We are loving tunic-length vests and tops for transition because you can wear them now with sandals or later add skinny jeans or leggings and boots.”

Also think shine. That’s what New York trends analyst Tom Julian suggests as you take inventory of your closet for fall.

“Think hues of copper, gold, platinum and gunmetal,” he said. “Designers have placed an emphasis on luxe fabrics that can sparkle and shine without all the bells and whistles of embroidery, embellishment and excessiveness.”

Julian and David Hacker, vice president of trends and color at Kohl’s department stores, both

list menswear looks as a top trend along with animal print and plaid.

“By simply adding a statement accessory such as a bold cheetah print belt, colorful plaid handbag or vintage-look shoes, an everyday look will become effortlessly trendy this fall,” Hacker said.

Fashion consultants agree you don’t have to buy a lot, but you’ve got to be selective so you’ll have the best pieces to layer and accessories that update your look for fall.

FALL CHECKLIST: As we transition into fall

and update our wardrobes, fashion consultants suggest making sure you have some of these trends:

1.Metallic fabric with a subtle shine

2. Military Style Jackets3. A romantic blouse with

some type of ruffle4. A vest, whether it’s

tunic- length or a menswear look

5. Menswear fabrics and details borrowed from the guys

6. Tights in jewel tones, some textured

7. A dress or blouse with draping

8. Boots, short and cuffed, ankle booties and tall, even over-the-knee, boots

9. Pencil skirts10. Boyfriend jackets11.Bold necklaces and

bracelets12. Boyfriend Blazers13. A bright coat _ take a

break from black, brown and gray

14. Dresses, especially versatile knits

15. Animal print garments, and/or accessories

16. Luxurious wraps

6 LIFE & STYLE September 17, 2009

The Scoop on Fall 09 Fashion Trends

THE HILLTOP

BY BONNIE BINGMcClatchy Newspapers

Photo Courtesy of Fashionising.com

Jackets with a military style are big this fall, finding their way in stores like InterMix and H&M. Military jackets recently found their way into Fashion Week shows.

There’s something inher-ently wrong about looking at Spain through a classroom window. It’s like working the stage at a concert, and you miss the show.

Fortunately, the start of school hasn’t meant an end to my fun. The classes I’m tak-ing are interesting and they’re tailored around the cultural identity of Spain and Europe, so it’s like the Euro version of the classes I would be taking back on campus.

Speaking of euros. I’ve learned the hard way money gets lost in translation just as easily as intentions do. For every euro I spend, I lose about $1.50. So, if I do the math, between schoolbooks, food, public trans-portation and the rare luxury of contact solution or nail polish remover, I’m filing bankruptcy around mid-October.

Too bad I couldn’t take a course in How Not to Be Broke & Abroad.

One of the classes I am taking is Media and Politics in Europe, and a big topic of dis-cussion has been globalization. What does it mean?

Well, I’ve realized that globalization means that even in the streets of Barcelona, I’m never too far from a Starbucks, Subway, or KFC. It’s all good until someone bites into a Colo-nel Sanders chicken wing and thinks that that’s what America is all about.

In all seriousness, the discussion made me think, is globalization a process that’s helpful in spreading ideas, or does the process resemble more of a global American-ization?

When kids in France, Nigeria and Japan start reject-ing their national programming, and cultural icons for the Jonas Brothers and a Hannah Mon-tana lunch box, will they also start abandoning their culture?

I’ve seen the argument being made in the African-American community all the time. Whether it’s Black women who wear their naturally kinky hair straight, or black men that listen to Kings of Leon instead of Jay-Z, it seems pretty easy to point the finger and accuse somebody Black of acting White or denying their culture. But what about when the trend goes across the Atlantic Ocean? Is it just as bad?

My teacher, a native Spaniard, told the class about how, while he was growing up, he didn’t understand the concept of popularity until he starting watching an American TV show.

“I think it’s like when people like you because you are good looking, or athletic, or something,” he recalled, although he admitted he still doesn’t really get it.

To me, his confession was funny. I’ve lived all my life understanding popularity. Un-derstanding the idea that some people are liked for completely superficial reasons, and some people, even good people, are not liked at all.

It seems like other cultures aren’t so opposed to the idea of buying into the messages sent through American media, but overtime will it lead to the destruction of their cultural systems?

Sure, it seems pretty in-nocent, with major American branches serving venti cappuc-cinos and $3.99 two-piece deals to almost every inhabitable country, but if HoChi starts outsourcing it’s mambo sauce to neighborhood convenience stores worldwide, it might just signal the apocalypse.

AboardMindedBY ALESSA MANNContributing Columnist

Photo Courtesy of Starpulse.com

...When you grew up wanting to go to Hillman University...look at you now!

Photo Courtesy of Davidairey.com

... When you had a cassette tape in the radio to record your favorite song!

Photo Courtesy of Complex.com

...When you had a fresh pair of LA Gear light up shoes!

Photo Courtesy of MariahCarey.com

...When you remember when Mariah Carey used to marry grown men.

You Know You’re a ‘90s Kid. . .

THE HILLTOP

ADVERTISEMENT 7

MECCANISMS 8September 17, 2009

THE HILLTOP

I say no to workplace ro-mances, relationships, hookups, boo’s, friends-with-benefits, etc.

Like everything else we write about every week, there are exceptions to this solid “no”, but when it comes to playin’ around where you get paid, the excep-tions are very, very few.

First, a workplace may be one of the only places where people are MORE in your busi-ness than anywhere on Howard University’s campus.

Actually, it would proba-bly be worse because it’s a small-er environment, it can directly affect your professional career and there’s almost no escaping it.

For one thing, there’s way too much pressure in seeing your latest fling everyday. In the nor-mal dating world, when you first start dating, you can have ugly days and only worry about get-ting pretty for date night.

When you work together, you become way too concerned about how cute you look every-day. Nobody needs that kind of pressure on top of their regular work demands.

You can’t vent to your significant other about work be-cause they won’t be sympathetic to those problems -- they’re go-ing through the same thing. You’re trying to tell him about how your boss is getting on your

nerves and he says, “yeah, he’s getting on mine too” or “it didn’t happen like that, you’re blowing it out of proportion.”

Also, you shouldn’t “twork” where you work because gossip spreads faster in offices than it did when Juicy Campus existed. You don’t want your professional reputation ruined by your happy hour reputation.

When you “work it” where you’re workin’, you open yourself up for the possibility that everyone will think that you are getting special treatment be-cause of your relationship with the boss. The quality of your work will no longer matter, all of your work will be credited to the boss showing favoritism on you.

Some may try to get around it by having what they THINK is a “secret” relation-ship with a coworker or boss, but 1. there are no secrets, and 2. you’ll get mad when you see other girls come at him and you can’t say anything about it.

I promise you, the secret you think you have with your un-dercover boo is not a secret, and if he doesn’t care about you, he’s laughing with the rest of the of-fice behind your back.

Leave the office for pla-tonic friendships and friendly associates -- not friendships with benefits and more-than-friendly associations.

I don’t have much experience in this field. But I think that they could turn out to be bad, real bad Michael Jackson. Also I want to put a Howard spin on this topic and discuss organizational dating.

There are some organizations that allow both males and females to join such as student councils, Campus Pals, Phi Sigma Pi, The Hilltop and countless other organizations.

I do not recommend dating people in the same social circle and organizations you are in. The main reason I think it’s a bad idea because it will most likely not work out.

Recent studies have show that divorce rates are up to 50%, I think it’s fair to say that college relationships failure rates are even higher than that. We all know those couples that were heavy freshman year and can’t stand each other now.

What you have to remember is that you will always have to be around this person if you are in an organization together, whether you are dating or not. I think it’s best to avoid bringing hostility

amongst each other to your organization.

Dating in the workplace when we graduate and become full time employees has some different rules.

You should never date a co-worker when money is on the line. There are waaaay too many other people out there to date. What if the person turns out to be crazy?

You can’t avoid their calls when you have to see them in the office the next day. You don’t want the reason you get reprimanded at your real job to be over a sour relationship.

Also a lot of companies forbid romantic workplace relationships as a part of their employee code of conduct. Never get into a relationship with your boss or someone that holds a higher position than you! You don’t want them potentially holding things over your head and putting you in awkward positions.

Also, remember that some separation is good. It is not healthy to be around the person you are dating all day and all the time.

BY CRYSTAL J. ALLEN Editor-In-Chief

He Said...She Said

Viewpoints from Both Sides of the Gender Divide

This week’s issue: Workplace Romances

By Deontay Morris

Overheard @ The Mecca

20 Questions...because we know you were wondering the same thing.

Overheard in The Hilltop Office...

Girl 1: I really want to go to Atlanta!

Girl 2: Me Too! But I wanna go to cause’ I want to go to Magic City! I follow them on Twitter.

Overheard somewhere on campus...

Girl 1: Where are you from?

Boy 1: Originally I’m from Texas.

Girl 1: Where are you from now?

Boy 1: The School of C.

Overheard somewhere else on campus....

Boy 1: Lowkey I don’t think black people get the swine flu.

Girl 1: I don’t think that’s true.

Boy 1: We don’t get lice.

Overheard one of your fellow Bison say something crazy? Send it to meccanisms@gmail.com!

Why are people trying to come at 1. Hilltop editors on Twitter?Is this enough “cojonés” for you?2. There have been multiple Rush weeks so far, has 3. your life gotten played yet?Did you watch the VMA’s or did you just read 4. about it on Twitter?So are you on #TeamKanye or #TeamTaylor?5. Why is everybody acting like they care about Tay-6. lor Swift’s feelings when nobody even knew who she was before Sunday?Who’s apology was better, Kanye’s or Chris 7. Brown’s?Who was that boy, I mean girl, who jumped on 8. stage with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys?Do you think they’ll have stage security at all 9. future VMA’s?Doesn’t Twitter commentary make award shows 10. 100 times better?Why do you have to show your ID to get into the 11.

School of Communications now?Who really bought a Fashion Show I ticket?12. Who’s excited to see Melyssa Ford play in the 13. celebrity basketball game? Does Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” video come to 14. mind?Who’s coming to Yard Fest? C’mon, tell us!15. Why did more people show up for the Home-16. coming unavailing than the Health care rally, but more people had on those purple shirts?Who has the best happy hour in D.C.? (email 17. answers to meccanisms@gmail.com)Will our football team win...EVER?18. What were those people doing on the Yard the 19. other day with the weather balloons?Why is the 20th question always the hardest for us 20. to come up with?Are you mad that I’m asking you 21 questions? 21. *50 Cent voice*

By Jada F. Smith

Take It From The Top

Tweet of The Week tweets from some of HU’s funniest twits

Compiled by The Hilltop Staff

“Yo Patrick Swayze, I know you just died and all, and I’ma let you finish, but Michael Jackson’s death was the best this year!”- Submitted From Twits all over the Twitterverse

“#LilMamaIs crayyyyyyzay... (Drake’s voice)”- From Fabolous @myfabolouslife

“#LilMamaIs havin’ a hard time get-ting into Jay-Z’s afterparty - From Fabolous @myfabolouslife

VMA’s EDITION

Has anybody wondered why America – namely college-aged citi-zens like us – paid little attention to Rep. Joe Wilson when shouted “you lie” during a speech given by our pres-ident, but gave both Kanye and Lil’ Mama ALL the shine when they both voluntarily embarrassed themselves at the VMAs?

Kanye West’s name has literally been within the top 10 most popu-lar phrases on Twitter, also known as trending topics, since the hoop-la-la began – all because he embarrassed some girl while accepting her first Vid-eo Music Award.

Don’t get me wrong – I am not condoning Kanye’s actions, whatsoev-er. I think it was immature and unfair to poor little Miss Taylor Swift. I just imagined if I was Taylor Swift. Clear-ly, there would have been a misunder-standing on the stage that night.

But still, I say all this to say, ac-tions such as these illustrate what we make priority in the bubble in which we live. Constantly, we talk about how we need to come together as a people, focus and prioritize.

Aahhh, I love that word: priori-tize.

We learn at an early age to do what is important to us – its human nature. So, I guess, by default, we as a young people are not at fault for giving Kanye THAT much more publicity at one of his dumbest moments. It makes complete sense. Between him and Lil’ Mama – who just had everyone baffled for the rest of the night…and week, in some cases – there was no room for us to bash Wilson or even discuss the af-termath of his actions.

Honestly, what were the chances of him being a trending topic for an extensive period of time? I mean, we cared, but we didn’t care that much. Right?

Wrong. Being a student on this campus,

I see the fire in us when we discuss politics and the issues therein. I saw the emotions run high and the tears flow the second it was announced that President Barack Obama would be the first African American to lead this country. I saw the student reactions af-ter Michael Steele was elected as the first black Republican Party national chairman – and the reactions after he made those disturbing comments about the “chicken and potato salad.”

To have seen so much commen-tary on Kanye’s situation and see such a contrast in that of the Wilson inci-dent, I can’t help to wonder where our priorities lie. How could we have so much to say about Kanye, when a man blatantly disrespected our presi-dent? A president who we rallied in support of, voted for and advocated for in order to help get into office. It baffles me.

We get upset; we rally; we con-vene and we discuss. It’s in our blood as Bison to do so. Therefore, I suggest we demonstrate this more often, even on social networking sites. Our actions didn’t say that we cared so much, but I know many of us truly did.

Let’s try to do better!

EDITORIALS & PERSPECTIVES 9

THE HILLTOP

Suggestions for a More Effective Student Protest

D a i l y S u d o k uDirections: Each row, each column and each 3x3 box must contain each and every digit 1-9 exactly once.

Zelena WIlliams- Photo Editor

THE HILLTOPThe Nation’s Only Black Daily Collegiate Newspaper

Brittany HarrisAsst. Business Manager

The Hilltop encourages its readers to share their opinions with the newspaper through letters to the editor or perspectives. All letters should include a complete address and telephone number and should be sent electronically on our Web site at www.thehilltoponline.com.

Any inquiries for advertisements or Hilltopics should be directed to The Hilltop Business Office.

THE HILLTOP2251 Sherman Avenue NW

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Now in its 84th year, The Hilltop is published Monday through Friday by Howard University students. With a readership of 7,000, The Hilltop is the largest black collegiate newspaper in the nation. The opinions expressed on the Editorial & Perspectives page are the views of the The Hilltop Editorial Board and those of the authors and do not necessarily represent Howard University or its administration. The Hilltop reserves the right to edit letters for space and grammatical errors and any inappropriate, libelous or defamatory content. All letters must be submitted a week prior to publication.

India ClarkBusiness Manager

Crystal J. AllenEditor-In-Chief

Jada F. SmithManaging Editor

Traver RigginsManaging Editor

Deontay MorrisDeputy Managing Editor

Charles Metze IIINicolette McClendon

CartoonistsEboni Farmer

Online Editor

Alexis K. BarnesBusiness & Technology Editor

Cierra Jones Life & Style Editor

Anastacia MebaneCopy Chief

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Bree GantSean Robinson

Oluyomi Sodunke

Ryan FosterSpecial Issues Editor

Jasmine CarpenterBrittany CliftonMacy FreemanMichele Steele

Copy Editors

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Royce StrahanSports Editor

Photographers

Jessica LewisTahirah Hairston

Co-Campus EditorsNaya Scarbrough

Editorials & Perspectives Editor

Faraday OkoroZelena Williams

Co-Photo Editors

Marquis H. BarnettNation & World Editor

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Courtney ColaLocal Advertising Sales Manager

Jenise CameronAsst. Copy Chief

Jenerra AlbertOperations Manager

On Sept. 4, hundreds of Howard students swarmed the Administration Building in a systematic attempt to force Howard administration to not only acknowledge their grievances, but to take immediate action in correcting them.

Although students presented an organized and united front that day, criticisms of the protest continue to swirl around campus, citing an ill-informed and under represented student body, a ludicrous list of demands, and subsequent unprofessionalism on the part of HUSA.

The list of demands wasn’t been fulfilled by Sept. 9, according to HUSA Executive President Bryan Smart, and another protest will be coming soon. But before students get re-suited in their black protest gear, HUSA should perhaps take a moment to consider what steps should be taken to make the second protest more effective than the last, which has seemingly fallen short of achieving its goals.

This time around, the entire student body should be well-informed and aware of the date and time of the protest, and not have to hear things like: “Oh yeah girl, there’s a protest going on by

the A-building, wanna go?” Also, although the list

compiled by HUSA definitely included some demands that were necessary, it also included a couple that may not have been completely thought through, and seemed unreasonable. For example, one of the demands called for the allocation of a whopping $14 million to establish wireless connectivity to the entire campus by Nov. 1, 2009. Campus-wide wireless capability is definitely a warranted student request, but the astronomical amount

proposed by HUSA is financially impossible for the University at this time.

Dr. Gregory Carr, chair of the Department of African American Studies and known student advocate, presented a couple of suggestions to students on how to stage a better protest,

citing the central challenge as successfully integrating and involving large and organized numbers of students in a targeted, effective effort.

This would call for the skill set of students being considered. Using students from the School of Business to look over the budget and personnel management structure, and posing relevant questions/concerns based on their knowledge of the area, or students from Engineering and Architecture analyzing the strength of our physical plant and raise suggestions for improvement.

According to Dr. Carr, the responsibility of student leaders is to ask the important questions, get the answers, then turn to the student body for assistance in developing a scheme for effective student involvement, which ensures a centralized mission, and that we move closer to our goals.

In the wake of a protest marked by such criticism and scrutiny,

our HUSA student leaders should take the advice of Dr. Carr, and actually consider the arguments of the critics, to make steps toward presenting an even more united and organized front, and effectively addressing the concerns that still plague Howard University students.

Our View:It’s great to see students

united, but we must be organized and have rational demands to be

effective.

6 7 5

9 6 4 2

9 3 1 2 5

7 1 3

3 4 2 1

9 7 5

6 9 8 1 3

1 9 4 3

6 8 9 !

PerspectiveArmed with Fiery Rhetoric

and Veritable SolutionsOn Friday, Sept. 4,

I cannot possibly describe how my heart swelled to see Howard students stand-ing together, fighting for a common cause. I was at my internship at NBC, so I had full access to television (and Twitter) and was able to fully follow the day’s events. Amidst all of the chaos, I saw in my peers passion and fervor unrivaled by anything I have seen during my ten-ure at Howard. That day, it wasn’t about what school you were in or what organization you were a part of. School of Communications students joined COAS students who were standing alongside CP-NAHS students, all declaring in raised voices that the stu-dent body was tired of stag-nancy. I was proud.

Let us now regress to Thursday, Sept. 3. At 11:00 p.m., I was notified of a pro-test-planning meeting taking place that night. I, along with my fellow School of Commu-nication E-board members, decided that we would be remiss in not attending such a meeting. When we arrived, we were surprised to see that so many students had con-gregated at so late an hour. The air was heavy with dis-content and students seemed ready for something…any-thing to voice their concerns. I viewed the list of demands, and noted that there were

demands for a new dorm to be constructed within an un-reasonable time period and for money to be taken out of the already depleted endow-ment. There had to be a bet-ter way.

I spoke with students whose only concern was get-ting validated and who did not even know who Dean Gibbs was. Yes, students were ready to speak… but about what?

My fellow e-board members expressed our concern at the lateness with which the protest was planned. Though we later found out various leaders had met prior to the protest, we wondered how much re-search could have been done within the span of three hours. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was not a spontane-ous action. The March on Washington did not occur randomly. Such protests were the result of many months of careful planning by many people. They knew that, to actually achieve the aims one sought, they had to consider the feasibility of each of their demands and come armed, not just with fiery rhetoric, but with veritable solutions. Only then would they pro-ceed.

This is not to say that I do not applaud the leaders who tasked themselves with organizing this protest. All

of them devoted much effort to this protest and anyone can see the genuine concern they have for students. In the aftermath, I spoke to several school presidents and vice-presidents concerning the next step as well as with the initial organizer of the pro-test, Kris Owens. Also, with-in the realm of my duties within General Assembly, I have met with HUSA Vice-President Jerome Joseph and HUSA Student Advocacy Chair Corey Briscoe. We have spoken in depth about what we, as a student body, should do next. The meet-ings were immensely produc-tive and restored my hope in what a collaborative effort can produce.

But I still will not apol-ogize for asking questions. Inquisition should not be mistaken for apathy. In fact, I believe students should ques-tion more. Question why you have yet to see a recycling program. Question why we can pay to bring 50 Cent to campus, but yet not have the funds for handicap-accessible buildings. After all, it was out of one student’s question that the whole protest arose.

Candace SmithJuniorBroadcast JournalismMajor

The work of the political activ-ist inevitably involves a certain tension between the require-

ment that position be taken on current issues as they arise

and the desire that one’s con-tributions will somehow sur-

vive the ravages of time.- Angela Davis

10 HILLTOPICS September 17, 2009

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“Calling all men and womenBeacon

Liturgical Dance

Ministryinvites you

to:

Open CallSept. 19th 12-2pm

Cook Hall

Sept. 20th 2-4pm

Blackburn”

GoldenGirls!!!The Ladies of

Sigma Gamma

Rho

Sorority

Incoporated

invite you to

join

us in a movie

night for

“I Can Do Bad

All by Myself”

Thursday,

September 17

East Towers @

6:22pm

Alpha Phi

Omega

National

Service

Fraternity,

Zeta Phi

Chapter

Rush Week

2009

A

Reflection

on the

Importance

of Service

(All

Attendees

must bring

Canned

Goods)

Tonight

7:25 p.m.

Locke Smart

Room

Want to help

better the

community?

Join Howard

University

Circle K

International

at the

1st General

Body Meeting

Tonight at

7PM

In Douglas

Hall Room

116.

HU Florida

Club First General

Body Meeting

Thursday, September

17, 2009 at 7:30pm Douglass

Hall Rm116

Constitution Day

The

University will

observe

Constitution Day

on

Thursday,

September 17,

2009 in the

Founders

Library

Reading Room.

The event will

take place from

2:00 to 4:00pm,

with a

reception to

follow in the

Founders

Library

Museum. The

topic is:

National

Urban League

and NAACP

Perspectives on

the Constitution

in the

Sotomayor Era.

All students,

faculty, staff,

and

administrators

are invited to

attend.

The John H.

Johnson School of

Communications

Student Council

Presents...

School of

Communications

Week 2009

Mentor/ Mentee

Meet & Greet

Drew Hall

Lounge

Tonight at 7p.m.

THE LADIES OF

ALPHA

CHAPTER

DELTA SIGMA

THETA

SORORITY,

INCORPORATED

INVITE YOU TO

THE 27TH

ANNUAL

WALK-A-THON

&

THE 18TH

ANNUAL

WOMAN - TO

WOMAN

CONFERENCE

INFORMATIONAL

SEPTEMBER

17TH

Engineering

Auditorium

7PM

The Charles

Hamilton

Houston

Pre-Law

Society will

hold its next

general body

meeting on

Friday,

September

18, 2009 in

Douglass Hall

Room B21.

The featured

speaker will

be Krystal Orr,

admissions

officer for the

University of

South

Carolina

School of Law.

The event

will begin at

2:00pm. All

pre-law

students are

welcome to

attend.

The Howard

University Association

of Black Journalists

and the Spotlight Network present:

“Broadcasting in the Obama

Age.” Professional journalists’

panel on Sept. 17th at 6 pm in

Spotlight studio C.

“Take Me Out

to the Ball

Game, Take

Me out to the

Crowd”

Delta Sigma

Pi Presents

“MLB”: Major

League

Business Fall

2009

Recruitment

Week.

Come out and

be a part of

the Hall of

Fame for

professionals.

This is a week

you

DON’T WANT

TO MISS.