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LOCAL/STATE
The Michigan Daily - Thursday, November 19, 1996 - 3A
.ESEARCH
Amiericans would
do better to file
for bankruptcy
Many Americans would be better off
financially if they filed for bankruptcy,
according to research by a University
economist. Only about 1 percent of U.S.
households file for bankruptcy each
year, but economics Prof. Michelle
White asserts that at least 17 percent
could do so to their benefit.
White examined the assets and
debts of about 3,900 households across
the country and published her analysis
of the data in recent articles in the
University of Chicago Law Review and
he Journal of Law, Economics and
Wrganization.
Households, White said, benefit
financially when total net worth is
increased by filing for bankruptcy.
About 10 percent of households would
benefit from filing for bankruptcy in
Louisiana while 32 percent would be
better off in Texas.
White predicts that if the advan-
tages of filing for bankruptcy receive
wore publicity, the number of such
cases will increase exponentially.
Latino/a kids face
health barriers
Latino/a children of obese or over-
weight mothers are more likely to be
overweight than their peers and might
be at greater risk for high blood pres-
sure and high blood sugar later in life,
according to a new University study.
* Public Health Prof. Edith Kieffer
led the study, which examined the cor-
relation between obesity and high
blood sugar in latina women and the
birth weights of their children.
The researchers examined the
records of 450 Latina women in
Southwest Detroit, where a majority of
residents live below the poverty level.
Children of the women were born
with an average birth weight of 7.6
pounds compared to 7.3 pounds for chil-
dren nationally. Only 3 percent of the
babies born to the Latina women had low
birth weights compared to 7.4 percent
nationally. About 12 percent of the chil-
dren had abnormally high birth weight.
The study also found that most of
the Latina women are overweight or
obese and about 7 percent are diabetic.
Death rates differ
with income
Americans who live in cities with
large income disparities are more like-
ly to die early than those in cities where
such disparities are smaller, according
to a University study presented in
Washington, D.C. this week at the
annual meeting of the American Public
Health Association.
Epidemiologists John Lynch and
*3eorge Kaplan investigated the corre-
lation between income inequality and
mortality in about 300 cities across the
United States. Cities that recorded the
largest income inequalities had about
140 more deaths per 100,000 people
than cities with low inequality and high
average incomes.
Study examines
emergency
contraception
Health behavior and health educa-
tion Prof. Joseph Brown presented the
preliminary results of a study that
examined demographics of those who
use the emergency contraception in
Washington, D.C. this week at the
annual meeting of the American Public
Health Association.
The ongoing study examines the
harts of about 1,200 female patients
who received emergency contracep-
tion, commonly called "the morning
after pill," and the charts of 1,000
female patients who did not.
The time period examined is from
January 1996 to January 1998.
Through the study, Brown is trying to
determine whether emergency contra-
ception users share common traits and
why the women chose to use emer-
ency contraception.
- Compiled by Daily Staff
Reporter Gerard Cohen-Vrignaud.
Colleges making laptops mandantory
By Susan T, Port
Daily Staff Reporter
By the year 2000, the computer
screen may replace the notebook.
Colleges and universities are drafting
and passing proposals to require stu-
dents to own laptop computers, making
technology an even more integral part
of student life.
Northern Michigan University will
require students to lease one of the
school's laptop computers by fall 2000,
said Fred Joyal, assistant for academic
administration and planning at the uni-
versity. He said students will pay $600
a year for an IBM laptop.
"We think in order to be a part of the
21st Century, those people involved in
the telecommunications world are those
who have had access to information,"
Joyal said.
Students should be as familiar with
computers as they are with televisions
and telephones, Joyal said.
Many students do not purchase com-
puters, Joyal said.
"It will enable a lot more collabora-
tion between students and faculty," Joyal
said. Because NMU is a commuter
school, Joyal said, laptops will allow
students to do more work on campus
instead of driving home to type.
"The difference between prices in
laptops and desktops is going to be very
small," Joyal said.
Michigan State University has a pro-
posal on the table that will require
entering first-year students to buy lap-
tops. "The proposal does not say every-
one has to have the same machine," said
Paul Hunt, MSU's vice provost for
libraries, computing and technology.
"The proposal calls for all students
matriculating beginning in 2001 to have
a network compatible laptop."
MSU students, Hunt said, will be
responsible for buying the laptop.
Hunt said computing sites located on
campus will not be eliminated. Many of
the sites would be geared toward com-
puter science majors.
University of Michigan Chief
Information Officer Jose-Marie
Griffiths said the University has dis-
cussed making laptops a mandatory
learning tool.
But with more than 80 percent of stu-
dents having access to their own com-
puter, "it would be an added burden on
students," Griffiths said.
It is not necessary, Griffiths said, to
require laptops considering the number
of computing sites on campus.
"We feel very strongly that we want
to expose students to a range of tech-
nologies," Griffiths said.
The University of North Carolina
also is jumping onto the technology
bandwagon and requiring students to
buy laptops.
Sally Brown, who is involved in the
Carolina Computing Initiative, said that
by 2003, all the students enrolled will
be required to own a laptop.
"We realized most students bring or
purchase their computers in their first
few months at school," Brown said.
"More and more professors are using
technology in their teaching, and if a stu-
dent doesn't have the same access, then
they are at a competitive disadvantage."
Brown said 40 percent of the student
population does not have computers.
A large percentage of the students do
not own a computer because of finan-
cial concerns. But Brown said the new
initiative will make laptops affordable
by allowing students to finance them
with financial aid.
UNC has recently signed a deal with
IBM, Brown said.
"The machines will be of the quality
that would last them for four years.
Brown said, adding that the team will
examine upgrading the machines if nec-
essary. UNC, Brown said, chose a laptop
instead of a desktop because of its con-
venience.
"The portability of the laptop allow s a
student to bring it to class, take it to study
sessions and the libraries," she said.
UNC's library network is getting
ready to have ports wired throughout
university buildings so students can use
their laptops on campus.
Survey: Public considers
college costs expensive
LANSING (AP) - The dream of a college education
is more attainable than most Michigan residents think, a
statewide poll released yesterday indicated.
The poll, commissioned by Ferris State University,
found that 79 percent of respondents believed that
Michigan colleges are not affordable, university
President William Sederburg said.
Sederburg said the average annual cost to attend a
Michigan college is $9,000.
About 37 percent of those polled thought it cost more
than $12,000 a year for tuition, room and board, and
supplies.
"The public misconception that college tuition is out
of reach is a nationwide problem," Sederburg said.
"There is a significant gap in what it actually costs and
what people think it costs."
The random telephone poll of 600 state residents was
conducted by Lansing-based EPIC/MRA Sept. 8-14.
It had a margin of error of 4 percentage points either
way.
Sederburg said this is the third statewide survey Ferris
State has commissioned about its image.
But it's the first that also asked general questions
about the cost, value and importance of higher educa-
tion.
He said the misconception about college costs dis-
turbs him because it may mean people won't bother pur-
suing higher education, thinking they'll never be able to
pay for it.
Sederburg said potential students also don't fully
investigate what it will cost them in long-term earnings
potential to not attend college.
For example, someone with a high school diploma
earns an average of $28,121 and someone with a four-
year college degree earns an average of $45,856 each
year, according to a March 1997 U.S. Census report.
Ed Sarpolus, vice president of EPIC/MRA, said the
poll indicates to him that people interested in college
aren't investigating what it will cost.
"There is a significant gap'
in what it actually costs
and what people think it
costs"
- William Sederburg
Ferris State University President
He said they often form their opinions by reading
national newspaper and magazine articles examining
tuition at Ivy League schools.
Sederburg, a former state senator, said the state
Legislature can help keep Michigan colleges affordable
by offering more state financial aid.
Ferris State, which is based in Big Rapids, began
offering $2,000 annual scholarships this year for any
student with a minimum 3.0 grade point average and
ACT exam score of 20, Sederburg said.
"As the governor is putting together his budget, I
would point out that 44 percent (of poll respondents)
support more money going toward higher education," he
said.
Other key poll findings include:
11 percent gave Michigan public colleges and uni-
versities an 'A' grade for the job they do providing higlh-
er education, 47 percent gave a 'B,' 27 percent said 'C
4 percent said 'D,' and I1 percent were undecided.
40 percent said public schools should put a greater
emphasis on preparing students for a job or career, 31
percent said students should be prepared for both a job
and a college education, 25 percent said students should
be prepared for college and 4 percent were undecided.-
* 95 percent said it was important for someone to
have a college education, 3 percent said it was nit
important and 2 percent were undecided.
RORY MICHAELS/ Daly
Alcohol Awareness Educator Mike Green speaks to students last night at
Rackham Auditorium.
-eaker addreses
'1-ni ght probl
By Asma Rafeoq
Daily StaffReporter
Mike Green, an alcohol awareness
educator, tackled a grim issue with
humorulast night at Rackham
Auditorium.
With the audience of about 700
people laughing throughout his
speech, Green nevertheless was able
to get across the message that you
don't have to be an alcoholic to have a
serious drinking problem.
The issue of responsible alcohol
consumption has come to the fore-
front at campuses nationwide after
recent tragedies.
"Even one night of drinking has
lifetime consequences,' Green said.
In a recent crackdown on drink-
ing at fraternities, Ann Arbor Police
Department officers passed out 133
minor in possession of alcohol cita-
tions at fraternities and house par-
ties during the past two weekends.
The fraternity raids came weeks
after the death of LSA first-year stu-
dent Courtney Cantor, who fell out of
her sixth floor window at Mary
Markley Residence Hall last month.
Cantor had been drinking at a Phi
Delta Theta fraternity party the night
she died. Her blood alcohol level was
0.059.
Cantor's sorority, Chi Omega, has
decided to take an active role in alco-
hol education. The sorority co-spon-
sored Green's speech, which was a
free event open to all University stu-
dents.
The speech marked Green's seventh
consecutive year addressing students
at the University.
A recovering alcoholic and the
president of Collegiate Consultants on
Drugs and Alcohol, Green travels to
universities nationwide to spread his
message of responsible drinking.
Green, who was a member of Theta
Chi when he attended Westchester
University in Pennsylvania, said all stu-
dents must pay attention to the issue.
"Everybody's pointing a finger at
the Greek system," Green said. "But
there are others that need to be edu-
cated too."
Some sororities and fraternities
required their members to attend his
speech last night.
Matt Johnson, a member of
Sigma Nu, was required to attend,
but said he enjoyed the presenta-
tion.
"I can really relate to what he
said," said Johnson, a Kinesiology
senior. "le's not trying to preach.
He's just trying to send a message."
Panhellenic Association president
Mary Gray said it is traditional for all
sorority pledge classes to attend
Green's speech.
"We love him," said Gray, an LSA
senior. "Every year he incorporates a
lot of new material into his presenta-
tion."
Because Michigan State
University Psi Upsilon chapter was
suspended last week for the alleged
use of date rape drugs, the sponsors
of last night's speech specifically
asked Green to highlight this prob-
lem.
Todd Pinsky, the vice president of
Educational Programming of the
Interfraternity Council, estimated
that only two-fifths of the attendees
last night were male.
Jury convicts Militia member
KALAMAZOO (AP) - A federal
jury yesterday convicted a militia mem-
ber accused of threatening to kill feder-
al officials and plotting to blow up fed-
eral buildings.
Bradford Metcalf of Olivet was
found guilty on all counts, including
conspiracy and possession of illegal
weapons.
"Southwest Michigan is a little bit
safer place tonight because 12 jurors
found Brad Metcalf guilty," said assis-
tant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Meyer, adding
"Brad Metcalf was a ticking time
bomb. The FBI and ATF stopped him
before anyone got hurt."
Metcalf and two other members of
the North American Militia were
accused of threatening to kill federal
officials and of plotting to use firearms
and explosives to destroy the federal
building in Battle Creek, an IRS office,
utility transmitters and a TV station.
Metcalf, who represented himself in
court although he doesn't have a law
degree, maintained he did nothing
wrong and was exercising his constitu-
tional right to bear weapons and join a
militia.
"I thought you killed yourself in
your closing argument," federal Judge
Richard Enslen said after the verdict
was read. "You cut a sympathetic fig-
ure, but you cut your own throat."
The jury deliberated for three hours
Tuesday and less than four hours yes-
terday before reaching the verdict after
a two-week trial.
Metcalf had no visible reaction
when the jury foreman read the verdict.
Family members bowed their heads, but
made no immediate comment to
reporters.
Prosecutors rested this past
Thursday after showing jurors more
than two dozen firearms, many of them
loaded, which they say were found at
Metcalf's home. Jurors also heard hours
of FBI-taped conversations in which
prosecutors allege Metcalf supported
using violence against the federal gov-
ernment.
On Monday, defense witnesses,
painted a picture of Metcalf as a sports-
man and family man.
But Metcalf had trouble presenting
some parts of his case, and the judge
strongly suggested he get a lawyer
before the sentencing. Metcalf refused
repeated court offers for legal represen-
tation throughout the trial. He faces up
to 30 years in prison when he's sen-
tenced in February. He said he plans to
appeal the verdict.
Though Metcalf successfully argued'
to have one charge against him thrown,
out, Enslen refused to grant another of
his requests - an attempt to get gun cat-
alogs admitted as evidence that he was a
collector. not a conspirator.
In January, a second North
American Militia member, Randy
Graham of Springfield, is expected to
be tried on similar charges. Metcalf
called him to the stand last week, but he
refused to testify, invoking his Fifth
Amendment right not to incriminate
himself.
I m
'UL,.I
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What's happening in Ann Arbor today
0GROUP
MEETING
U Circle K Weekly Meeting; Michigan
Union, Anderson Room, 763-
0811, 7 p.m.
EVENTS
O "A ... My Name Is Alice," Sponsored
Q "Delta Week '98 - Canned Food
Drive," Sponsored by Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc. Nu Chapter,
Meet at CC Little Bus Stop, 5:30
p.m.
U "Information Meeting and Slide
Show," Sponsored b New
England Literature Program,
Angell Hall, Auditorium B, 8 p.m.
U "Kosova Clothes Drive," Sponsored
for Choice, Fishbowl and Medical
Campus, 9 a.m: 3 p.m.
SERVICES
U Campus information Centers, 763-
INFO, info@umich.edu, and
www.umich.edu/-info on the
World Wide Web
U1998 Winter Commencement
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