UVSC College Times, 2002-02-25

              vonjMi- 30 issue 43 WHAT'S INSIDE Calendar-Page 2 See our da7y updated calendar at netXnews.net VALLEY WEATHER For complete and up to dale weather go lo our website at www.netxnews.net c to c X c rvn EL BUF.N PANO IN 1 I A RCA SI VINDI Till IP I a Q ; n I I n H? t irnr m : w I I Q WJi !l V,u:y -J.-. L Vl vL v - L. i.. i. ,y """" ' "iWfflM.ww T- I' - ii r 1 H 1 1 1 U - JT"vir . The HEW Student Center What's all the Buzz about? Page 7 Wolverine softball finding success on the road Page 9 Figure Skating Judging: Has 'the World gone too far??? Page 5 Plugged in Russians Want Skater Slutskaya To Get Gold SALT LAKE CITY - Russian officials have filed a formal protest of the women's Olympic figure skating final, saying silver medalist Irina Slutskaya should get her own gold medal because of biased judging. Jury Rules Monsanto Polluted Alabama Town GADSDEN, Ala. - A jury ruled today that Monsanto Co. polluted an Alabama town with PCBs from a chemical plant over several decades, a verdict that sets the stage for more trials on claims the contamination harmed property and the residents' health. Musharraf Pledges To Catch Pearl's Killers KARACHI, Pakistan - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf ordered security forces today to apprehend "each and every one of the gang of terrorist" involved in the murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Four people have been arrested and charged in the case. Powell Cites Saudi Peace Statement WASHINGTON -A recent Saudi statement on Middle East peace is a development worth pursuing as the United States tries to halt the violence escalating between Israelis and Palestinians, Secretary of State Colin Powell said today. Washington Monument Reopens WASHINGTON -The towering Washington Monument reopened to the public today on George Washington's 270th birthday after $10.5 million inrenovations. Neighbor Arrested in Girl's Abduction SAN DIEGO -A missing 7-year-old girl's neighbor was arrested for suspicion of kidnapping after the girl's blood was found in his motor home, authorities said. Vote on today's poll question: "How have the Olympics done this far?" Vote at www.netxnews.net and see immediate poll results. Watch for the latest episodes of On Campus, UVXNEWS, and the UVSportzone z " . . n 1 L Communications Program Growing The Communications Program Is moving forward quickly to otter UVSC students better educational opportunities In the communications field. By Danielle White OF THE NETXNEWS STAFF "Men of conscience wish to report on the human condition" Robert Trounsen, editor "PACIFIC STARS AND STRIPES." Confidence in the media, or even media ethics, prior to 911 may have seemed to be an oxymoron,, but reportedly the American public's trust in the media has gone from an estimated 11 percent to 34 percent. At least that is what the panel of well-known journalists said at the Ethics in Journalism Symposium last week. "Reporters have a moral obligation to fulfill that promise to report the news fairly," Dr. John C. Merrill, author of "Media Debates," said. Mike Kinross, managing editor of KEG Associates, agreed. "The media ought to have decent respect for the opinions of mankind." After almost seven hours of bantesing and insight, students goi"r glimpse into the real school of thought among the real world of mass media. "We feel it's important for people from all disciplines to discuss the ethics of journalists," said Dr. David Keller, center director for the Study of Ethics at UVSC. Such feelings were seemingly universal.Seven renowned journalists, among them Ralph Barney, BYU professor emeritus and editor of the "Journal on Mass Media Ethics," and Jay Black, Poynter-Jamison chair in media ethics and press policy, participated in the annual symposium co-sponsored by the Communications and Philosophy Departments. Questions discussed included "Is the institution of journalism in America losing the trust of the people?" and "Under what circumstances should journalists be allowed to keep their sources confidential?""I thought it was an eye-opening experience," Brittney Wylie, a first-year communications student, said. "I went into it thinking I knew a lot about journalism, but got a taste of just how much is really involved with being aprofessional--what it means to be a reporter. It was educational. I learned a lot." The symposium is just one of a plethora of headways the Communications Department is making as it forges toward solidifying a full-fledged four-year DatletM WMi t degree. "As soon as we can make it, we will," Roger Gunn, assistant professor of Communications, said. "We have a well-rounded program for students." Gunn said that they are currently interviewing 12-15 "qualified applicants" to fill various teaching positions as the department looks to open about a dozen more classes, including more sections of Interpersonal Communications. The expansion, according to Dr. Lucille Stoddard, Vice President of Academic Affairs, is a welcomed one. "I think this a degree that many students want and will be beneficial to this campus," she said. Phil Gordon, head of the Communications Department, said "Communications" Cont. on Pg. 4 Pakistan Warns Foreigners on Safety By Munir Ahmad Ap Writer The killers of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl never intended to free him, investigators said Saturday. Pakistani authorities have warned foreign organizations in the country to take precautions, saying the Pearl case may be part of a wider terrorist scheme. Meanwhile, the man who delivered a grisly videotape confirming Pearl's murder was being held for questioning in the southern port city of Karachi, Interior Ministry officials in the capital, Islamabad, said on condition of anonymity. Also Saturday, officials said they have tightened security at a Karachi detention center holding three suspects charged with sending e-mails announcing Pearl's Jan. 23 kidnapping. The move follows intelligence reports warning that Pearl's kidnappers may target the suspects because they are witnesses, said two intelligence officials in Karachi. Pakistani authorities believe Pearl's murder may be part of a larger terrorist scheme to destabilize the country following President Pervez Musharrafs Jan. 12 pledge to rid Pakistan of Muslim extremism in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The government warned foreign missions, embassies and dig nitaries to boost their security, the Interior Ministry officials said, adding that attacks on U.S. interests in Pakistan cannot be ruled out. On Friday, President Musharraf vowed to deal with terrorists with "an iron hand." There was an outpouring of condolences and expressions of outrage from Pakistani government officials, journalists, Cabinet ministers and even some Islamic militant groups. Four key suspects remain at large and Pearl's body has not been found. It is also unclear exactly when and where he was killed. An intelligence official said that unless the remaining suspects are apprehended, "it will not be easy to find the remains of the slain journalist." The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said an Arab national police believe helped coordinate Pearl's abduction is among those being sought. He did not elaborate. The alleged mastermind behind Pearl's abduction, British-born militant Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, has been in custody since early February. Authorities in Karachi said they continued questioning Saeed and the three suspected e-mailcrs for clues about the location of Pearl's "Safety" continued on pg. 3 Net Spot THE HOTTEST SPOTS IN: NewsPolitics Go to www.foxnew.com to find out all the latest from the middle east Entertainment: Check out www.yahoo.com to find movie listings and other fun and entertaining things you can do. 'Music Online: Head to www.amazon.com to listen to music samples to see if you want to purchase that new cd that looks intriguing. Student helps: Need info on a person, place, or thing for a school project? vww.google.com can help you in these efforts. Sports: For Olympic recaps go to www.espn.com For all the news and fan reaction from the big BYU vs. Utah matchup, head to www.utefans.netweb- board or www. cougar- blue.com to get some insights. Bush Promotes Energy Agenda By Sonya Ross Ap Writer President Bush urged the Senate on Saturday to approve his proposal for curbing pollution and promoting energy efficiency, arguing it is the best way to shield American consumers from "wild swings in energy prices for the future." Bush, just returned from a six-day foreign tour, used his weekly radio address to promote the energy plan he unveiled last week before taking off for Japan, South Korea and China. He said hi's proposal would upgrade electric power lines, modernize other energy delivery systems and develop new technologies, such as cars that are powered with hydrogen and emit water. He said tax credits and other incentives will encourage development of "renewable energy," such as wind and solar power and crop fuels. "Conservation technology and renewables are important. Yet they alone cannot solve our energy problems," Bush said. "We must also reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil by encouraging safe and clc.n exploration at home." As part of its energy policy, the is particularlyinterest ed jn Cf15J Hi opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska for oil and gas drilling. That plan has hung up the president's energy package in the Senate, where lawmakers worry that drilling would spoil ANWR's environmental beauty. Bush argued for ANWR drilling during a stop in Alaska last week en route to Asia. "There's no doubt in my mind ... that we can find energy for America's people and at the same time preserve the beauty of Alaska," he said then. The president defended that stance Saturday, saying he met with native leaders in Alaska "who want to preserve the grandeur of their state w hile carefully developing the energy beneath a small fraction of it." And, he said, labor groups embrace his energy policies generally because it will create new jobs. "Bush" continued on pg.3