4A - Thursday, February 11, 2010 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com MJb 1 d14an 3&I4 Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu JACOB SMILOVITZ EDITOR IN CHIEF RACHEL VAN GILDER EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR MATT AARONSON MANAGING EDITOR Unsigned editorials reflect the official position oftthe Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views ofntheir authors. Collaborating for a cause University Research Corridor helps technology, economy The percentage of Advanced Placement Exams that were failed in2009. - According to a College Board report, as reported by The New York Times yesterday. CHRIS KOSLOWSKI I E-MAIL CHRIS AT CSKOSLOW@UMICH.EDU ~~dtit~ and let e play beerbongke6~c 1 l- and dance withno shoes on ~I hear they play for ~Sad.an'tv 0 a sticky floor? 6 0 keeps at Skeeps. e fa Qs 0 Is 0 0 -~ ,~. -.0:* 0 0 ith Michigan's economy in trouble and unemployment high, research conducted in the state seems to be the only area in which the state has been advancing. And the opening of Michigan's University Research Corridor headquar- ters in Lansing on Friday shows that research growth doesn't appear to be slowing any time soon. The new facility will allow for further collaborative research between the state's three main research uni- versities. The opportunities stemming from the URC could be ben- eficial not only to the University, but also to the improvement of the state. Because the state's economy will increasingly rely on science and technology, it is important that the URC continues to lead the way in research. Semester at the museum As reported by the Daily on Friday, the URC headquarters opened its doors this week. The URC, formed in 2007, aims to improve research opportunities by bring- ing together the state's three major research universities: the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. With each participating institu- tion bringing forth its own specialties and research concentrations, the hope is that the URC will facilitate collaborative advance- ments in research and success for the state. The opening of the headquarters comes at an opportune time, since the University of Michigan has just been awarded two significant research grants from Google totaling $425,000. The first grant, worth $325,000, will be used to investigate how large computer systems can better save energy. The other $100,000 grant will help University researchers concentrate on developing energy efficiency hardware. The research that the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Wayne State produce can have life-changing effects. The University of Michigan has a wealth of powerful research programs - the computer technology that the Google grants encourage are only one such pro- gram. In particular, the University has surged ahead in embryonic stem cell research since the passage of a statewide ballot proposal in 2008 that loosened strict restrictions on the research in the state. Stem cell research isn't simply an exercise in academia - it has the potential to cure debilitating diseases. And Michigan State's agricultural research, along with Wayne State's urban research, could have impor- tant practical applications in food produc- tion and community development. But as much as isolated research is valu- able, collaboration among the universities could leadto even more breakthroughs in science and technology. Through the URC, researchers at the state's research univer- sities can benefit from the cooperation of the other two contributing research insti- tutions. The sharing of knowledge would hasten research progress and bring about more technology that will make the world a better place. Increased university research will also give the state a chance to tap into a thriving economic resource. Michigan's future economy, long dependent on the automotive industry, lies in scientific and technological advancements. Research developments will encourage businesses to make their home in Michigan, bringing jobs to the state and encouraging a poten- tially profitable economic sector. The significant research developments that begin at the URC and at the Univer- sity can have real-world effects in science and technology and can be a big boost for the state's economy. The University should continue to embark on collabora- tive research that benefits this institution and the state. Sess you've been living in a cave for the past few - I'm sorry. That phrase is becoming, really overused, isn't it? It's also offensive, because some people still live in caves. So unless you've. been dead in a cave for the past several weeks, you've been celebrating theW current LSA theme GRUNDLER semester. Wait - you don't know what the current LSA theme semester is? You don't CARE about the current LSA theme semesterAnd your dog died in a cave last week? Well, I'm sorry. Not about your dog, but about your failure to take advantage of this semester's theme, which is: old stuff. To be precise, the theme is "Meaningful Objects: Museums in the Academy," and it's really been going on since last semes- ter. To those readers who have vis- ited the museums on campus already, congratulations and proceed to the crossword. Why are you reading this anyway, since you go to museums and just know everything, huh? Ofcourse, alack ofknowledge and/ or interest concerning theme semes- ters is more common. This is due to three main reasons: 1. There is not enough publicity about theme semesters. 2. Theme semesters can sometimes be more boring than "The Notebook." 3. Maybe something to do with MSA. Dang you, MSA! Let's address the first two points. It's true that there hasn't been much of a media frenzy about "Meaningful Objects," and we at the Daily would like to apologize for that. We did final- ly get around to publishing a nice arti- cle about the Museum Studies minor (Declaring Docent, 02/01/2010), but that's only one article. However, our sister paper The New York Times has NOT been pulling its weight, either. For instance, I searched "Michigan Daily theme semester" on its website and got zero articles for the past month. Astonished, I searched "Michigan Daily" and also got no results. So I clicked "All Results Since 1851" for the Daily and got the shock- inglylow figure 249. More articles have been written about the dung beetle (288). What gives, New York Times? We write aboutyou! Anyway, I'm trying to raise museum awareness in today's column because I'd hate to see "Meaningful Objects" fall under point two from above. In fact, when anyone says to me, "Before graduating you need to (go to a hock- ey game/go to Ashley's/get a life)," I remind them that they need tovisit the Exhibit Museum ofNatural History. Or the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Or the University of Michigan Museum of Art. We have lots of museums on cam- pus. There is even a dentistry museum. You might want to skip the dentistry museum, but still. However, I have the suspicion that many students regard muse- ums as uncool, because you usually can't drink beer, listen to rap music or bench-press inside of them. But that's just a stereotype! And vague arguments aside - such as how they give us the opportunity to "connect" with our "past" and "learn" about our "future," or are an essential part of a "liberal arts education" - muse- ums can simply be fun. At the Exhibit Museum alone you can: 1) look at dinosaurs, including a T-Rex, and big mastodons, 2) learn that "mast- odons" is Latin for "nipple-teeth," 3) see a planetarium show and remem- ber how utterly insignificant you and your homework are in relation to the universe and 4) make nipple-teeth jokes. "Mastodons" is Latin for "nipple-teeth." At the Kelsey Museum of Archae- ology you can look at treasure all day long - and who doesn't like treasure? And UMMA - well, UMMA is just in a class by itself. There's just so much art. Even if you don't like art, there's art there for you. The best part is feeling like you're in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." So try to get to at least one muse- um, because they're pretty under- appreciated, and if this theme semester doesn't generate more inter- est in them, the University will begin to tear them down. Okay, I made that up, but one wonders how long a den- tistry museum can last. The point is, really, to think out- side of your routine - your cave.The University has many options. Take a class on a subject you're unfamiliar with. Attend a speech over the week- end. Read The Michigan Review. Well, no on that last one. Look, just head over to the Exhibit Museum to see some nipple-teeth before you graduate, okay? - Will Grundler can be reached at wgru@umich.edu. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Nina Amilineni, Jordan Birnholtz, William Butler, Nicholas Clift, Michelle DeWitt, Brian Flaherty, Jeremy Levy,Erika Mayer, Edward McPhee, Emily Orley, Harsha Panduranga, Alex Schiff, Asa Smith, Brittany Smith, Robert Soave, Radhika Upadhyaya, Laura Veith SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU .Koslowski gives Clarence ionas much as I currentlyrespectour president's. Thomas undeserved praise Adam Deutsch PLSA junior TO THE DAILY: Supreme Court aives special I would like to address Chris Koslowski's column in which he praised Supreme Court interestgroups unduepower Justice Clarence Thomas, claiming he is a "sup- porter of individual rights and equality" (A just defense offree speech, 02/09/2010). If this were TO THE DAILY: true, Thomas wouldn't have supported bans In his recent column, Chris Koslowski on abortion or upheld a law banning sodomy. applauds the Supreme Court's recent decision to He also wouldn't have supported President strike down laws prohibiting unlimited corpo- George W. Bush's vision of presidential power, rate contributions to political action committees in which the mostbasic rights of people all over (A just defense offree speech, 02/09/2010). the world were crudely violated. This disturbing decision should not be Koslowski also spends a significant amount applauded. It gives corporations unchecked mon- of time defending the Court's recent decision etary influence on our government, the same that allows corporations to spend freely on government that protects us from self-interested political issues. Sadly, a majority of justices corporate attacks on everything from our finan- supported this attack on the democratic pro- cial markets to our environment. In other words, cess. Justice Thomas was the only one involved the Supreme Court has decided that the fox gets in a dissent that also pushed for the removal of unlimited say over who guards the henhouse. acts that require sponsors of political advertis- Koslowski argues that corporate contribu- ing to disclose who paid for them. In essence, tions are protected by the First Amendment he doesn't want transparency. right to free speech. But the First Amendment Even worse, Thomas blamed this on gay isn't an unlimited license. We have the right to activists in California who opposed Proposal prohibit free speech that endangers our soci- 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Not even ety, like shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater. Justices Antonin Scalia or Samuel Alito were The dangers of giving oil, banking, insurance willing to sign on to his homophobic rhetoric and other powerful corporations unlimited this time. power to influence government have been on Koslowski also needs a quick history lesson. display for decades. There has been tension between the executive Our founding fathers designed the Constitu- and judicial branches since the creation of our tion to prevent powerful special interest groups country. For President Barack Obama to stand from gaining too much influence and hijack- up and denounce a decision isn't showing dis- ing the government at our expense. The justices respect or attacking the Court's legitimacy, it's that voted to uphold campaign finance law were simply stating his opinion. Don't beso offended upholding the"Founders' original intent. They that the President doesn't agree with a decision were defending the Constitution, not practicing that will hurt the political power of the indi- judicial activism. vidual citizen. Our democratically elected representatives Lastly, Koslowski writes that the country passed campaign finance laws to keep our gov- is victimized by a "president with a seem- ernment from being bought. We should applaud ingly deficient understanding of the Supreme the four justices who almost succeeded in pre- Court's responsibilities and traditions." When serving them. Koslowski becomes a constitutional law pro- fessor at the University of Chicago Law School, Paul Shearer which Obama was, then I will respect his opin- Rackham LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be fewer than 300 words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. Letters are edited for style, length, clarity and accuracy. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@umich.edu. ANGELA BOZELL | Coleman must sign climate pledge The American Colleges and University Presidents' Cli- mate Commitment is an organization that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote research and educational efforts on collegiate campuses across the United States. Unfortunately, University President Mary Sue Coleman has yet to join 667 other collegiate presi- dents and declare her support to the organization. Since the University is a large and highly regarded research institution, it has a responsibility to sign and adhere to the environmental commitments outlined in the ACUPCC. It is imperative that Coleman signs the ACUPCC. The University can easily accomplish the objectives of the ACUPCC. Just as the University of New Hampshire, one of the participants in the ACUPCC, has implemented sustainability into their campus, the University of Michi- gan can complete an emissions inventory, seta target date for being climate neutral, reduce greenhouse gas emis- sions and make sustainability part of the curriculum. It also can make the action plan and progress reports pub- licly available. Though the University of New Hampshire is much smaller than our university, their leading sustainabil- ity efforts can be integrated at large institutions. Their main objective is their CORE program. CORE stands for curriculum, operations, research and engagement. The University already has some operations and research in place, but we are lacking in curriculum and engagement departments. Our university has the environment-friendly Dana building, which holds environmentally conscious students in it, but not all buildings across campus are so green, nor are all students as eager to help the environment. With a possible mandatory academic environment requirement, more students and faculty would be engaged on campus. Committingto ACUPCC might help the campus and cam- pus buildings become more environmentally aware. Moreover, the University is fairly environmentally con- scious to begin with, so it only makes sense for President Coleman to sign. For instance, just the fact that we have both a graduate and undergraduate environmental stud- ies program (SNRE and PitE) shows the University's lean- ing toward sustainability efforts. PitE, in fact, is one of the fastest growing majors on campus. Furthermore, the University has created a Planet Blue team. The teams are part of the Environmental and Ener- gy Initiative, which came about from President Barack Obama's Environmental Task Force. Planet Blue teams consist of facility managers, plant operations personnel and building representatives. The teams work with build- ing representatives to reduce energy usage and increase recycling. Coleman supports their efforts, saying on their website that, "The University of Michigan takes its responsibility of protecting and preserving resources very seriously, and every contribution can make a dif- ference. I challenge everyone in our community to think about how even the smallest efforts will work to make our great institution even greener." Additionally, the University has begun green comput- ing initiatives, according to the Detroit Free Press article entitled "U-M saves energy, cash with green computing." Things being done include handing down old equipment and switching to systems that allow one computer to do the job of multiple ones. Another green computing pro- gram called Climate Savers Computing Initiative seeks to cut computer energy consumption in half by 2010. This would save the University $5.5 billion. With the Univer- sity pursuing several environmental plans, the President should sign onto something that will really cut our impact on the environment. Critics may urge the University not to sign, because if the goals are not met, the University's prestigious repu- tation could potentially be tarnished. While this may be true, the University should still take every step to ensure the goals are met. Critics might also claim the goals of the ACUPCC will cost the University more money. But the energy savings would outweigh any upfront costs. Uni- versities are a breeding ground for sustainable-minded youth who will lead our businesses and.organizations in the future. The ACUPCC is a cohesive, attainable commitment that will really shape the future of campus sustainability and sustainability for our cities, states and nations. By not signing the commitment, Coleman would be making an egregious error. Angela Bozell is an LSA junior.