4A - Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com
4A - Thursday, November 21, 2013 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom
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The president of the bros
Edited and managed by students at
the University of Michigan since 1890.
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tothedaily@michigandaily.com
MELANIE KRUVELIS
and ADRIENNE ROBERTS MATT SLOVIN
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR
ANDREW WEINER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board.
All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
Claiming the court
Shifting power away from Ingham County court is a political move
n Tuesday, Nov. 12, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a bill that
ends Ingham County Circuit Court's tenure as Michigan's Court
of Claims. Public Act 164 moves the Court of Claims out of the
Ingham County Circuit Court to the Court of Appeals and expands the
court's jurisdiction. The new, expanded Court of Claims will now han-
dle hundreds of cases from the state, including challenges to Michigan's
Open Meetings, Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights and Freedom of Information
Acts - a significant expansion of its scope. Yet, the Court of Claims jurists
are handpicked by a group of Republican judges. It makes sense that an
Ingham County court should not have the authority to make state deci-
sions; however, the real reason for shifting responsibility is questionable,
There are very few graduat-
ing seniors who have had
a linear path through col-
lege. The vast
majority of
undergraduates
utilize their time
at Michigan and
the years fol-
lowing to find
themselves and
create their
future career. TIMOTHY
Frequently, this BURROUGHS
involves some
reevaluation and
plan changes along the way. While
not all of us can follow the Mark
Zuckerberg model of capitalizing
on a good idea early, understand-
ing our individual strengths allows
us to discover our own niche where
we can be successful.
University alum David Portnoy
understands this as well as anyone:
He's the owner and founder of the
popular website and franchise Bar-
stool Sports. Perhaps better known
by his alternate persona, El Presi-
dente, Portnoy developed the Bos-
ton-based blog, which is devoted to
sports, pop culture, YouTube videos
and plenty of scantily clad women.
Although it has hardly been a direct
path for Portnoy, his site now receives
more than 75 million page views a
month and has become extremely
profitable through the combination
of advertising, the Barstool Blackout
concert tour and original apparel
sales. Portnoyharnessed his previous
career skills in sales and marketing to
capitalize on the "fraternity" culture
of 18-to-35-year-old males. Portnoy's
success exemplifies how capitalizing
on our personal strengths and under-
standing target audiences can lead to
entrepreneurial success.
Portnoy, who was originally only
accepted to the School of Nursing
at Michigan, quickly transferred
into LSA after arriving on campus.
Unable to pass the undergraduate
language requirement, he trans-
ferred again into the School of Edu-
cation, where he graduated with
no intention to become a teacher.
Though never a member of Greek
Life at Michigan, Portnoy lived
in West Quad Residence Hall his
freshman year where he befriended
members ofthewrestlingteam, who
became his close friends through-
out his undergraduate career. Port-
noy began working in sales after
graduation where he gained experi-
ence pitching ideas to prospective
advertisers and an understanding of
how to maintain an audience and a
market for his product.
The original Barstool Sports site
launched in 2007 when a fan of the
original newspaper version moved
to New York but still wanted access
to Portnoy's product. Back when
blogs were still something you
didn't want in your plumbing, this
avid fan created a site where Port-
noy could upload content in a PDF
format and effortlessly post it to the
ence, Portnoy admits the biggest
surprise was how popular his writ-
ing became.
"I was never supposed to be
a writer, but the things people
responded to the most were sto-
ries from my personal life, so I just
followed it," he said. Being able to
adapt to what fans want has been
a consistent goal of Barstool. The
blog, which claims to be "by the
common man, for the common
man" has never feared trying new
ideas, but constantly evaluates what
works well and what falls short.
The site now includes separate
blogs for New York, Philadelphia,
Chicago, the Washington D.C. and
Baltimore area and, recently, Los
Angeles. Barstool Blackout Tours,
which started as a party series at
fraternities, has expanded into
a huge money maker, featuring
shows across the nation including
the University of Michigan. Bar-
stool has also expanded into origi-
nal YouTube content through "The
Bro Show" which Portnoy feels
could turn into the
and most likely politically minded.
While the conservative Michigan Supreme
Court appointed two Republicans and two
Democrats to the Court of Claims, its com-
position could change and is now open to
manipulation in the future. Thus, partisan
legislation could easily be pushed through
by whatever political party holds a majority
on the court. Even Bruce Timmons, a long-
time Republican staffer for the House Judi-
ciary Committee, said the new law is "rigging
the deck against those who have to appear
in court." And now, an increased number of
important state cases will be decided by Sny-
der-approved judges rather than being filed at
local circuit courts. The new Court of Claims
will assume immediate control of important
pending cases, including Detroit's right to cut
retirement benefits and the legality of a tax
on teacher pensions.
While state officials claimed that this
move was made simply to make the process
more democratic, the governor and Michigan
Supremse Court are granted more power. There
are other ways to make the Court of Claims pro-
cess less partisan that were apparently ignored.
State Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) intro-
duced an amendment that would have the four
judges selected by "blind draw." That amend-
ment, however, was shot down. There are only
three states where the Court of Claims falls to
the judicial branch. In New York, the Court of
Claims is its own independent court. This is not
the case in Michigan, where the separation of
powers between government branches is slow-
ly becoming nonexistent.
Snyder is clearly attempting to thwart judi-
cial review of the legislation he backs. Just
like the emergency manager law, which was
quickly pushed through the legislature, the
Court of Claims reform was introduced in
October and passed into law a month later,
stifling public debate.
This law, in theory, makes sense. How-
ever, its ostensibly sensible purpose is over-
shadowed by the blatant power grab by
conservatives seeking to protect their own
controversial reforms. The Court of Claims
is now open to partisan influence by the gov-
ernor and the state Supreme Court, and this
power can easily be misused in the future.
site. Since
then the site
has taken off
nationally,
with fans
referred to
as "stoolies"
ranging from
college-age
students to
many of Bos-
ton's profes-
sional athletes.
Portnoy attr
cess to two ma
ing the blog w
feels his site "w
nature of existi
of different blo
whether it is Br
Move, in myr
what we do...V
start." While he
to predict the i
next big thing for
,his franchise with a
Capitalizing on possible TV deal on
the horizon.
our personal Building on an
established audi-
strengths can lead ence and maintain-
ing loyal fans has
to success. allowed Portnoy
to build a thriving
brand. For those of
us still looking for the next Face-
ibutes his rapid sue- book, Portnoy's story shows how
in factors. By enter- each opportunity contributes to
'orld early, Portnoy the mindset of how to become com-
as unique by its very petitive. His business sense, gained
ng. Looking at a lot through personal experience and
gs out there (now), critical thinking, illustrates the
'o Bible or Total Frat process from which modern entre-
mind (they) rip off preneurs can be successful.
0.
Ve had a huge head
may have been able
nterests of his audi-
-Timothy Burroughs can be
reached at timburr@umich.edu.
SARA ISAAC I
Electrifying Africa
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Kaan Avdan, Sharik Bashir, Barry Belmont, James Brennan,
Rima Fadlallah, Eric Ferguson, Jordyn Kay, Jesse Klein,
Melanie Kruvelis, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald,
Victoria Noble, Adrienne Roberts, Matthew Seligman,
Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe
ALEXANDRIA FOSTER I
Let us not lose sight
In 2013, about 80 percent of
American teenagers have cell
phones and more than 90 percent
have a computer or access to one at
home. The digital economy alone in
the United States requires a massive
and growing amount of energy. This
is in contrast to sub-Saharan Africa,
where 589 million - or nearly seven
out of10 - people do not have access
to even the most basic electric-
ity. It may be hard to discern, over
the sound of the average American
teenager complaining about how his
or her iPhone desperately needs a
charge, just how desperate the situ-
ation is in sub-Saharan Africa.
Close to 90 million students have
no electricity at school in Africa;
they learn in locations without air
conditioning or ventilation. About
70 percent of businesses cite the lack
of access to reliable power asa major
constraint; small business own-
ers are often forced to repair and
replace equipment without electric
tools. Almost 225 million people of
sub-Saharan Africa rely on health
facilities that are without electric-
ity. After mothers give birth in the
dark, there are seldom incubators
in which they can place their babies
for warmth, or respirators for peo-
ple who cannot breathe on their
own, or-electrocardiographytests
to find the source of unexplained
chest pain. Families struggle to
preserve food and cook without
refrigeration and adequate heat,
and many consume water that isn't
potable because it simply cannot be
sanitized.
Education, medicine and eco-
nomic development all demand
access to electricity, and sub-
Saharan Africa can't be expected
to progress without this access. It's
tremendously unfair for sub-Saha-
ran Africans to have to contend
with this burden solely because of
where they were born. Hope for
the future lies in the congressional
enactment of the Electrify Africa
Act, part of a bipartisan initiative
called Power Africa, which will
hold the United States responsi-
ble for creating a "comprehensive
strategy to help increase electric-
ity in sub-Saharan Africa," which,
among other things, includes
encouraging the U.S. Agency for
International Development to use
programs that are already in place,
like loan guarantees, partnerships
and grants, to increase electricity
in sub-Saharan Africa, and induc-
ing the World Bank, African Devel-
opment Bank and Overseas Private
Investment Corporation to pri-
oritize and increase electrification
and electrical sector investments in
sub-Saharan Africa.
It goes without saying the Elec-
trifyAfricaAct,whichcosts the U.S.
taxpayer almost nothing and relies
mainly on renewable energy sourc-
es, is a huge step toward attaining
modern energy for sub-Saharans.
It's not, however, one large enough
to fill the vacuum. In fact, without
new efforts, almost half of the sub-
Saharan population will not have
access to power in 2030. Surely
one of the richest countries on the
planet can afford to take further
measures to help supply the world's
poorest obtain what has undeniably
become a necessity of life.
Sara Isaac is an LSA sophomore.
When I walked into Mason Hall this morn-
ing for my political science research design
class, I stopped in my tracks and looked at the
black construction paper that replaced the
usual posters and flyers advertising events
on campus. I saw African American students
gathering to write messages with chalk about
their experiences, both positive and negative,
about being students of color at the Univer-
sity of Michigan. I picked up a piece of light
blue chalk, placed it on the black paper, and
stood for a few minutes. After thinking about
what I wanted to write, I put the piece of
chalk back down, leaving the space empty.
Throughout my class, I thought about what
I wanted to write and then realized that a
few words would not do justice in explaining
how I feel as a biracial student on campus.
Throughout my life, people have always ques-
tioned my race. At times, I have wondered if it
is out of genuine curiosity or just plain igno-
rance. For some reason I never understood
why people were infatuated with my hair or
so quick to ask which one of my parents is
white. And then it dawned on me - it is ambi-
guity that the human race is fascinated with.
As a junior at the University, I have never
felt particularly comfortable identifying with
one racial group over another. Although I
have been a member of a few Black student
organizations, at times I felt that I was not
worthy because I grew up in a predominately
white environment. Because of this, among
other reasons, I did not join a Black soror-
ity or the Black Student Union. I was simply
afraid that I would stand out as an anomaly.
I can admit that these are two regrets I have
as someone graduating from the University
next year.
It was not until yesterday morning, when
the #BBUM trend on Twitter sparked nation-
al attention, that I could finally breathe a sigh
of relief. It reassured me that other students
shared similar feelings to my own and that
they recognized the same problems I have
noticed since I stepped foot on campus. As
I read through tweets, Facebook posts and
handwritten messages in Mason, I had an
"aha!" moment: It dawned on me that being
biracial at the University means that while I
can sympathize with the frustration of Black
students, Iam also conscientious of how white
students feel about the racial climate on cam-
pus. It made me realize that it is my respon-
sibility to support movements that empower
minorities, while also understanding that
other students, including those who are
white, do not always feel safe and welcomed
in classrooms and student organizations.
I am not blind to the racial issues and cer-
tainly not to the lack of diversity on campus,
but it would be unfair to solely blame the
University. We must do something to cre-
ate change. In forming a movement, let us
not forget that we attend a world-class insti-
tution - an institution that certainly has
imperfections - but also has opportunities
many could only dream of. An institution
with a rich history of inclusion. An institu-
tion faced with bureaucratic challenges that
often make problems difficult to solve. An
institution that allows all students, including
those of color, the opportunity to be a part of
something bigger than ourselves.
Let me be clear that I have had wonderful
experiences at Michigan and have had oppor-
tunities that I am incredibly grateful for. I
have heard President Barack Obama speak,
traveled to Guatemala to volunteer on a medi-
cal mission trip, listened to the struggle and
life story of Jose Antonio Vargas, watched my
friends dance in cultural shows, and of course,
cheered on the football team in the Big House.
I have been taught by renowned professors
and sat in on lectures with famous authors.
This being said, it is easy to get caught up in
the school's prestige, and lose sight of issues
that affect many students including myself.
I want my voice to be heard, and I want oth-
ers to know that it is OK to not feel completely
comfortable in one racial group. Being biracial
is something that has shaped the person who
I am, and how I identify myself at Michigan.
I encourage all students, especially students
of color to continue to generate a movement.
In doing so, I hope that we reach out to other
students, and rather than strengthen racial
divides, work to loosen them.
Alexandria Foster is an LSA junior.
SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@MICHIGANDAILY.COM
0
Engineering may need reform, but cult workload is necessary to teach its material: "... good
design and code quality become important when the
difficult courses are necessary programs start getting complex,.... The quality evalua-
tion is the *major* part of the project grade." Simply put,
TO THE DAILY: this class teaches the material that is frequently ignored
I want to clarify a quote that was taken out of con- when the complexity of an assignment doesn't demand
text in the article "Is an engineering education discon- it. The professor even adds "This is why the projects
nected from reality?" by Julia Zarina. are relatively large (though still tiny by industrial stan-
After briefly discussing an overwhelmed student, dards)," which emphasizes the gap between the projects
drop-out and transfer rates, degree workload and gen- students are expected to do when they are still learning
eral student happiness, Zarina brings up a line from how to program, and the projects required in industry.
an e-mail sent out by a professor to his students in a This is a gap EECS 381 exists to mend.
previous semester: "Don't plan to have a social life or In addition to the plainly advertised workload, the
engage in extracurricular activities until you've com- course is by no means compulsory. Students who are
pleted the first project," the e-mail read. "Until then either not prepared for the course or would not ben-
you won't really know how much time this course efit from the material are, of course, advised not to
requires of you." take it. Conversely, students who are both prepared
This e-mail was sent to all students registered or for and would benefit from it are encouraged to take
wait-listed for the course Electrical Engineering and the course.
Computer Science 381, "Object Oriented and Advanced Engineering education may be in need of reform;
Programming," well prior to the beginning of the Zarina raises many good indicators to this effect. But
semester. The content of the e-mail, not excluding there will always be, and should always be, courses
Zarina's quote, as well as the Cmputer Science and that are difficult not for the sake of difficulty but for
Engineering program guide and surveys available on the sake of preparing students for problems they are
the EECS department website makes it quite clear that more likely to encounter outside of their undergradu-
this course is arguably one of the most intense courses ate education.
offered to undergraduate Computer Science students
at this University. Charles Vink
The e-mail goes on, however, to explain why a diffi- Engineering senior
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