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Author: Cloe Shasha

Stewart book ignites merit debate at Cornell

Debate over source legitimacy, similar to the Wikipedia debate at Middlebury last year, is occurring at Cornell University. Professors at Cornell have expressed skepticism in response to the integration of Jon Stewart's 2004 bestseller "America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction" into classes at Northern Kentucky University. Assistant Professor of political science at NKU Ryan Lee Teten used Stewart's bestseller to counteract student apathy. The book is historical and satirical.

In response to Teten's decision, Cornell Government Professor Elizabeth Sanders said she "would not use the book as an official text. It is, however, pretty funny and might spark a lively discussion."

Some Cornell students see other benefits to using the book in classroom. "As long as students understand that Stewart's satire is based on truth and learn to critically analyze the satire and also learn the real history, I see no problem," said Chris Duni '09.

Austin Zwick '09 said Stewart's book forces students "to think if they agree or disagree upon the opinions presented instead of remaining apathetically neutral."
-The Cornell Sun


Escapee sighting leads Wisc. to cancel classes

On Sept. 8, Jesse A. Miller escaped from a Dane County work release program. A description of Miller, who was serving time for armed robbery, was sent out in an e-mail to all students at the University of Wisconsin (UW) on Tuesday, Sept. 25, following a sighting on campus. Miller is suspected for suspicious calls to UW. The e-mail warned students to avoid walking outside. Many classes were cancelled.

"Around 5:30 p.m., another 911 call was fielded from a man who claimed to be a private security guard who received a bomb threat for UW Hospital," UWPD assistant chief Dale Burke said. "Our subsequent investigation revealed that there was no employee working for that company by that name. I can assure all members of the community all efforts are being exhausted towards finding him."

"This has been an unusual and troubling situation, but we have confidence that UW police and other police agencies are handling this situation well," UW Provost Patrick Farrell said.
-The Badger Herald


Baylor unprepared to deal with dead pigs

On Sept. 26, the police received calls from Baylor University students regarding dead pigs on their doorsteps. Several off-campus houses and a statue were graced with the presence of bleeding, deceased hogs.

"The emergency guys were laughing at me saying, 'There's a dead hog on your porch? Is this a joke?'" said Katie McKinnon '08. "They didn't really want to help me figure out who did it in the first place. They spent more time laughing at me and my response to it than really helping the situation."

"Luckily, I was careful," said Megan Boyd '08. "I was concerned about getting blood all over me, [or] if the pig had rabies."

The police suggested, "pour cola over the area where the pig lay to wash away the blood." Waco, Texas lacks a system for carcass disposal.

Director of Waco City Refuse Department Ken Anthony explained, "Our people are not equipped for biohazard type waste. I don't know who to call about biological waste."

Neither Baylor police nor Waco's officials know who shot the pigs in the head or why they were left on doorsteps.
-The Baylor Lariat