New Policy

Friday’s Minnesota Daily, presented the article, “New policy tightens student ticket usage” by Jane Grovom. The article concerns hockey tickets and how a new policy that has developed reduces the possibility of the original purchaser of the tickets sell them when he or she is unable to use them. Apparently, athletic officials are afraid that students will sell their tickets to non-students. It is difficult for me not to question why this is such a dilemma. First off, I do not see the problem in having non-student fans attend the hockey games. If the individual is willing to spend money and purchase the ticket, he or she should be free to attend the game regardless. These "non-students" could be people that truly want to go and support their school's hockey team, but simply did not have the money to spend on season tickets. I do not see the negativity in allowing such people to purchase a ticket from someone else when they will not be utilizing the ticket as it is. Additionally, selling tickets that one is unable use is resourceful. It simply fills one more empty seat and is not only profitable for the sport but also gives someone else the opportunity to enjoy the game. Throughout the article, we are able to hear various opinions on the situation. There seems to be more people questioning this policy than supporting it. The people that have paid for the hockey tickets should have the right to decide who uses their seat when they cannot.

To find out more information on the University of Minnesota Hockey Team, please click on the link below:
http://www.gophersports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&SPID=3322&SPSID=38855

TCF Bank Stadium

The article "Groups discuss student fees" by Amber Kispert in this past Thursday's Minnesota Daily caught my attention this past week. The article discussed the three main benefits University of Minnesota students will recieve when paying for the new TCF Bank Stadium. According to the daily, students will spend $23 million over the course of 25 years on the stadium, which averages out to a $25 deposit per student a year. The benefits the article state are as followed: 1) student groups and recreational sports teams will be able to utilize the stadium whenever University sporting events are not scheduled; 2) students will have the opportunity to have a say in the future name of the stadium; and 3) for every sport ticket purchased by a student, they shall recieve points that will go toward buying better seats after they graduate. Throughout the article, various people commented on how these benefits are not good enough, but I disagree. First of all, the first benefit will give student groups and recreational sports groups a different location to be active at once in awhile. While being part of the Residential Hall Association last year, it was an absolute pain trying to find places to schedule events, such as dances and fundraisers. We had to wait months to have one specific event, because the university did not have enough options that were large enough for hundreds of students. This benefit will give us another option. Next, the second benefit may not effect many students, but to those that care what their school's new stadium name will be, they will at least be given a say in the process. Plus, since this is our school, we should enjoy the fact that we can name what we are putting our money into. Finally, the third benefit will come in handy for those that will maintain their gopher pride and continue to attend the games. It's probably going to benefit the under-classmen more in the long run, since they will have more time to purchase more tickets and therefore receive more points, but then again, they will be paying during that time as well. These benefits may or may not appeal to some. Those in charge of the benefits cannot make every student happy. Although, it should at least be an honor to one day be able to say, 'hey, I helped pay for that stadium!' And to some, like myself, that is simply good enough.

Here is more information on the new stadium: http://www1.umn.edu/stadium/TCF.html

UMPD Escort Decreases

The article, "UMPD escort service use decreases" by The Minnesota Daily writer Alyssa Kroeten caught my attention this past Wednesday. The article touched on the decreasing number of campus escorts within the University of Minnesota in the past few years. Students do not use the service as much as they use to, and I find that to be somewhat unsettling. Since the school year began, there have been various incidences of attacks and robberies on-campus. Almost everyone of those attacks were upon individuals that were alone. Last year, I found comfort in utilizing the campus escort service whenever I walked home from the library late at night. I know plenty of people that did the same, or they would have two of their friends walk over and meet the person. The question I must ask is: why do people put themselves in uncomfortable situations when they don't have to? There are numerous students that walk home alone at night, and I don't think they realize how serious that can be. I find that many people my age find themselves to be invisible, when they are very wrong. The decrease of usage in this service is worrisome, for not only is it a safe-way home but also free. The article touches on how people feel safer now-a-days because they feel they can use their cell phones if something happened. But lets be honest here; an attacker is an attacker; they are not going to give you the time to reach into your purse, pocket, etc., grab your phone, and dial. Even talking on one's phone while walking does not necessarily eliminate danger, because the person on the other line may not know exactly where you are or it can be a distraction. The article recommends always walking with another person, which is the least someone can do when they are out at night. It is unfortunate that with the stress of school, work, etc., students also have to deal with the stress of feeling safe or not. Either way, in order to be safe, people need to be smart and take the proper precautions when going out at night.

Here is the link to the University of Minnesota's safety tips for pedestrians:
http://www.dem.umn.edu/personalsafety.html

No Smoking

Thus the ban has begun: No smoking! Well, at least no smoking in any indoor public places. The Freedom to Breathe Act went into effect on Monday, October 1st. Printed in the Minnesota Daily on Tuesday was the acticle, "Smoking ban takes effect" by Alyssa Kroeten. It commented on how the ban will affect businesses. Some people feel it will really hurt their business and some believe that their customers will stay true regardless if they can smoke inside or not. To those that are afraid of a decline in business and disagree with the act, I say too darn bad! It is about time that Minnesota joined this trend, for one would have to live in the middle of nowhere to not know that not only do cigarettes kill but so does second-hand smoke! Not only was smoking inside bad for the smoker but also other customers and employees. Most businesses pride themselves of the safe habits they practice, so this just adds to that list. Now people can enjoy a nice, smoke-free atmosphere while having dinner or a few drinks, which is how it should be. This Act is definitely for the better and although it is unfortunate that some restaraunts' business will decrease, it is still very much worth it.

To find out information on the affects of smoking, click on the link below:
http://www.quitsmoking.com/kopykit/reports/body.htm