The University News » Archive
Jordan Rideout and David Sarabia: Soccer players’ talent contributes to team’s expected success
After last year’s disappointing 5-9-3 season, the UMKC men’s soccer team is looking to bounce back. Coach Rick Benben described last season as a “rebuilding year.” Things seem to be looking up for the Roos this season. The team has been estimated to finish the season in 2nd place, according to the Summit League coaches poll. Success is expected from this year’s team partially due to the talent of sophomore forward Jordan Rideout and senior forward David Sarabia. Rideout, who made first team on All-Summit League Team and won the Summit League Newcomer of Year Award, is expected to have an even stronger season than the last. A native of England, Rideout, who moved to America at age 10, is humble about his achievements. “It’s obviously a pretty great accomplishment, but I feel … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
Men’s soccer team promises a great season for UMKC
The time has come for the men’s soccer team to prove its skills. This year’s squad hopes to bring the title of the Summit League championship back to UMKC. What’s new for this year’s team? Nine new players joined the Roos: one goalkeeper, one defender, five midfielders and two forwards. This means Coach Rick Benben’s team has a lot new to offer on the field. Junior Diego Figueroa is from Chile, and came from Florida to play for the Roos this year, offering his strength and technique in defense. “It’s an honor to become part of UMKC,” Figueroa said. “To come and do what I love the most rewards all the efforts and sacrifices of my family, which has always supported me,” he said. When asked about what fans could expect from him, he … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
Exercise your Mind and Body
When speaking in terms of health, the first concerns relate to what people eat and how often they exercise. Being healthy, however, also pertains to being well. The MindBody Connection (MBC) focuses on enriching students to benefit their wellness and health. Psychologist Rachel Pierce of UMKC’s Counseling Center in the Division of Student Affairs has served as a member of MBC’s coordination team since its opening in 2007. Her role varies from student counseling to supervising doctoral students who are training to become psychologists and managing the Center’s outreach activities. Pierce explained the connection between the mind and body is inseparable. “Our mind directs our body, and our body provides feedback to our brain,” she said. “Stress and emotions are experienced both mentally and physically, and many mental health concerns have physical symptoms. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
LGBT at UMKC
Students discuss school’s gay-friendly reputation Media attention addressing anti-gay bullying and hate crimes, particularly in schools, has raised awareness of discrimination against LGBT individuals. LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersexual and ally/asexual) awareness nationwide. In 2011, Newsweek ranked UMKC as the 5th gay friendly college in America, outranked by only MIT, Stanford University, Tufts University and Bryn Mawr College. The Newsweek ranking stems from anti-discrimination policies on campus and an active LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersexual and ally/asexual) office. UMKC is one of approximately 90 universities in the country with a professionally-staffed LGBTQIA center. At UMKC, the office raises awareness through diversity and sensitivity training. Many faculty and staff members, including residential life employees, go through a “Safe Space” training to better understand students of LGBTQIA backgrounds. Many students view UMKC’s reputation as gay-friendly … Read entire article »
Filed under: Feature
Looking Ahead
It may seem a little too early to talk about the Oscars, right? The ceremony isn’t until February and the nominations haven’t even come out, so why run an article about it? How often do theatre-goers over the nominations only to realize they haven’t heard of the nominees? This column will provide insight about what to look for in the next few months. Get ready for “Oscar Season.” In the past, Oscar nominated films were released between September and January. There are always exceptions, but for the most part, this is when potentially award-winning films are viewed for the first time. Last year’s best picture, “The Artist,“ premiered in January while “The King’s Speech” (2010) came out in December. “The Hurt Locker,” followed this pattern with its October debut. “Slumdog Millionare” (2008) joined the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Ask Phoenix: from Bigotry to Boobs.
Dear Phoenix, how do you deal with everyday bigotry? Great question. It really depends on the situation. But for the most part, I keep my middle finger peacefully erect. There will always be haters. There will always be people that do not agree with your values. Bigots can hate me for everything that I am. But I love me and that’s all I need. When someone crosses from peaceful disagreement to blatant disrespect, I usually come back with a witty rebuttal, smile and walk away. I do not need everyone’s approval, and I am not about to break a sweat and a nail by starting a fight. Sometimes I attempt to open their mind through discussing our differences, if the bigot is willing. Whenever getting into a discussion about heated topics or personal values, I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Hit and Run
Set in the middle of a California highway, “Hit and Run” mixes light-hearted chick-flick comedy with serious action to become a perfectly blended piece of entertainment. Annie (Kristen Bell) and Charlie (Dax Shepard) seem to be an ordinary couple until one secret is revealed, which changes Annie’s life forever. Charlie may not be who he seems, and Annie is required to choose whether or not she is truly in love with him or if she only loves the lies he was forced to tell. This former bank robber who became a member of the Witness Protection Program is forced to return to the life he needed to hide. “Hit and Run” does not fit into any stereotypical category. Some scenes are romantic, others are hilarious and some leave audience members on the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Chai Shai
Kashif Tufail hadn’t originally planned on opening one of the most authentic Indian restaurants in the Kansas City area. By a twist of fate, Tufail, a UMKC alumnus who intended to open a warehouse to mass produce samosas (a traditional Indian dish) for wholesale purposes, instead opened Chai Shai in June 2010. When Tufail and his brother purchased the building at 59th and Oak Steets., they had not expected the influx of curious neighbors strolling by to inquire about their business endeavors. According to Tufail, enough passersby suggested they would be interested in sampling the product they decided to turn the warehouse into a restaurant. Chai Shai began serving only appetizers and chai tea, but after the first successful month of business, Tufail decided a dinner menu was necessary. The head chef at … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Kazan, Russia
I will never complain about Johnson County drivers again. For a city that celebrated its millennium just a few years ago, there’s still a lot of construction to be done. That’s because in 2013 Kazan will host the Summer Universiad, a sporting Olympics of European universities. In 2018, Kazan will also be one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup. Knowing this, I probably should have been more prepared for the most horrific traffic jam I’ve ever seen (and to walk the entire way home from the city center where I have been attending classes). I resisted getting off the bus as long as possible (it was raining), but when the bus driver turned off the bus, I decided that if Russian girls in 5 inch Stellatoes could brave … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Satire: Walmart
Store inspires with festive designer knockoff bargains In last week’s U-News, I wrote about how McDonald’s tasty, non-organic, non-vegan Dollar Menu changed my perspective on fast food’s value to society. Basically, I decided to stop being a hipster. Nourishing not only my body but also my mental faculties, my steady diet of McChicken sandwiches and Big Macs encouraged me to reassess my anti-corporate biases. Yesterday, I decided to give Sam Walton’s evil empire a chance. Immediately upon entering Wal-Mart, I was greeted by an elderly man hunched over his walker. I proceeded to check in on Foursquare. I quit shopping at Target in 2010 after learning it had made a large contribution to a political candidate who did not support LGBTQIA equality. I’m sure neither anti-gay nor gender biases exist at Wal-Mart, because it seems to thoroughly … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
