“Generation Me” author Jean Twenge visited MU and Columbia this past week and took part in a series of events, beginning with a book signing at the University Bookstore and ending with a lecture Thursday where she also answered readers’ questions at Jesse Auditorium.
“Generation Me,” the Mizzou Reads selection for 2010, concerns those aged seven to 36 years. In the book, Twenge discusses how “Generation Me” has been taught they were “special” from birth, which leads to narcissism, loneliness and ultimately depression.
Some students said they disagreed with what Twenge had to say about their generation.
“I don’t think she was right in classifying all of us as depressed,” freshman Courtney Watkins said. “I think I’m a pretty happy person and it offended me when I read that.”
Even with the general negative opinion on the book, attendance at her lecture was quite robust. Many of the students present at the lecture were those who had previously said they did not enjoy the book. Twenge attempted to win them back over to her side during her lecture.
“The book was interesting at parts but wasn’t a good read,” freshman April Keel said. “She did a great job of backing up her facts in the presentation with current information.”
The use of outdated statistics was a big problem with Twenge’s book, Keel said.
Twenge elected to focus on the content discussed in the book rather than the the writing process. The main point she focused on was narcissism, what leads to it and why it is a detrimental quality. Twenge stressed self-esteem as a good thing, but only if used as a “tool” rather than as a lifestyle.
“Self-esteem does not lead to great things, great things lead to high self-esteem,” Twenge said. “Excessive self-esteem can be bad because of the consequences of an unrealistic view.”
The difference between self-esteem and more severe and negative narcissism was a focal point in her lecture. Twenge said narcissism is excessively high self-esteem, so much so that the subject becomes completely self-involved. Twenge stressed that in life, narcissists do not go far.
“Everyone gets a trophy in children's sports now,” Twenge said. “In schools they even sing a song called, ‘I Am Special,’ set to the tune of 'Frère Jacques.' We are just furthering the narcissistic behavior in children.”
At the close of the lecture, Twenge broadened her theories to all ages and related her presentation to her latest book, “The Narcissistic Epidemic.” She used social networking as evidence to support her claim that narcissism is an epidemic.
“Facebook is a good thing in general,” she said. “It can, however, lead to narcissism. People who spend 15 minutes on Facebook score much higher in narcissism studies than someone who spends 15 minutes on Google Maps.”
Twenge exited after a brief question-and-answer session. Before her departure, she left the audience with a parting question: does the world change for the generation or does the generation change for the world? The audience stayed silent for a moment in response.
The audience was not limited to MU students and faculty.
“I would give her a 10 out of 10,” Columbia resident Libby Gill said. “That was about the best lecture by a professor you will ever see.”
The respect was echoed by Keel.
“You have to appreciate all the research she did,” Keel said. “She spent so many countless hours pouring over studies, and it really made for a great presentation.”
Friday, September 10, 2010
Council votes on utility hikes, Maryland Ave. name change
Columbia residents gathered Tuesday at City Hall to show their support for several issues, with the city’s budget dominating the proceedings.
The council originally had set aside $4,000 in its budget for the Citizens Police Review Board, but several people at the meeting asked the Council to give the CPRB more money.
"I feel that this organization has worked so hard to form, and to give them $4,000 to work with, well, that would just be inappropriate," Columbia attorney David Smith said.
The CPRB had asked for $10,000, mainly to hire private investigators for some cases.
CPRB Vice Chairman James Martin echoed Smith’s sentiments, citing the need for investigators.
"We need to hire these investigators," Martin said. "Not having a professional investigator can hurt your case's credibility."
Smith added that investigators are not necessary for all cases, but in the event they are used they could cost between $300 and $400 per case.
Second Ward City Councilman Jason Thornhill estimated the costs of investigators for eight cases spanning one year and reasoned that with the cost of the investigators and other necessary expenses, the CPRB would need about $8,700. Other members of the council voiced their support for Thornhill's motion to amend the budget to allow the increase in funding.
"In these times it is important that we do not underfund this project," First Councilman Paul Sturtz said. "It is giving citizens trust in their police department."
When the motion went up for vote, it passed 6-1. Mayor Bob McDavid said he felt "uneasy" about the decision. He was the sole dissenting vote.
The council also discussed several utility rate increases.
McDavid said there would be a 3 percent increase in the electric rates, even though the city likely won't see any cost increases. He then proposed
The council originally had set aside $4,000 in its budget for the Citizens Police Review Board, but several people at the meeting asked the Council to give the CPRB more money.
"I feel that this organization has worked so hard to form, and to give them $4,000 to work with, well, that would just be inappropriate," Columbia attorney David Smith said.
The CPRB had asked for $10,000, mainly to hire private investigators for some cases.
CPRB Vice Chairman James Martin echoed Smith’s sentiments, citing the need for investigators.
"We need to hire these investigators," Martin said. "Not having a professional investigator can hurt your case's credibility."
Smith added that investigators are not necessary for all cases, but in the event they are used they could cost between $300 and $400 per case.
Second Ward City Councilman Jason Thornhill estimated the costs of investigators for eight cases spanning one year and reasoned that with the cost of the investigators and other necessary expenses, the CPRB would need about $8,700. Other members of the council voiced their support for Thornhill's motion to amend the budget to allow the increase in funding.
"In these times it is important that we do not underfund this project," First Councilman Paul Sturtz said. "It is giving citizens trust in their police department."
When the motion went up for vote, it passed 6-1. Mayor Bob McDavid said he felt "uneasy" about the decision. He was the sole dissenting vote.
The council also discussed several utility rate increases.
McDavid said there would be a 3 percent increase in the electric rates, even though the city likely won't see any cost increases. He then proposed
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mizzou vs. Illinois recap
The Mizzou Tigers always seem to find a way to win. The Tigers took the sixth, and final Arch Rivalry game 23-13, sweeping Illinois in the series. They played a poor first half offensively versus the Illini but stepped up big in the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points. Junior Quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw for 281 yards with two touchdowns, while completing 70.8% of his passes. He threw zero interceptions en route to those numbers.
Gabbert’s primary target was Sophomore receiver T.J. Moe. Moe caught 13 passes for 101 yards and caught the crucial touchdown that put the Tigers in the lead, one that they would never relinquish.
The Tigers struggled early to replace suspended Running Back Derrick Washington, and ended the game with only 122 total rushing yards. Team rushing leader De’Vion Moore had 82 yards. The Illini could not stop the multi-dimensional rushing attack, which seemed to be represented by a singular play.
The Tigers defense was stout throughout the entire game and at times they rose above average and made some key stops.
The game-changer was Cornerback Carl Gettis. Gettis contributed to the Tiger victory in multiple ways as a cornerback, return man, and in kick coverage. He finished the day with 4 tackles, and one vital interception. The numbers don’t represent the effort he put in today. He stopped a punt on the one-yard line, which forced the Illini offense to drive 99 and a half yards to tie the game, which never happened.
The Tigers won the contest by boldly taking charge in the second half but that won’t win a game against titans of the conference like Oklahoma or Nebraska. The Tigers have many improvements to make, and will do so as they head into their next game against the McNeese State Cowboys on Sept. 11. The home opener is set to begin at 6p.m. at Faurot Field.
Gabbert’s primary target was Sophomore receiver T.J. Moe. Moe caught 13 passes for 101 yards and caught the crucial touchdown that put the Tigers in the lead, one that they would never relinquish.
The Tigers struggled early to replace suspended Running Back Derrick Washington, and ended the game with only 122 total rushing yards. Team rushing leader De’Vion Moore had 82 yards. The Illini could not stop the multi-dimensional rushing attack, which seemed to be represented by a singular play.
The Tigers defense was stout throughout the entire game and at times they rose above average and made some key stops.
The game-changer was Cornerback Carl Gettis. Gettis contributed to the Tiger victory in multiple ways as a cornerback, return man, and in kick coverage. He finished the day with 4 tackles, and one vital interception. The numbers don’t represent the effort he put in today. He stopped a punt on the one-yard line, which forced the Illini offense to drive 99 and a half yards to tie the game, which never happened.
The Tigers won the contest by boldly taking charge in the second half but that won’t win a game against titans of the conference like Oklahoma or Nebraska. The Tigers have many improvements to make, and will do so as they head into their next game against the McNeese State Cowboys on Sept. 11. The home opener is set to begin at 6p.m. at Faurot Field.
Man attempts to steal officers bike
Early Saturday morning at 1:15 a.m., a St. Louis man was found attempting to steal a Columbia officer’s bike valued at $1,200.
Greg Hoffmeyer left Shiloh Bar & Grill in downtown and saw the bike parked and unsecured outside. He then jumped onto Columbia Police Department Sgt. Chris Kelley’s Trek mountain bike. His motive or intentions were unclear.
“I have no idea where he was going,” CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said. “He was intoxicated and that’s very likely why he stole it.”
Kelley was in the area because he was responding to a trespassing call at a nearby bar.
“That is why he didn't secure (the bike)...it was more important for him to respond to the call quickly,“ Haden said.
Hoffemeyer didn’t make it far with the stolen property. A second responding officer arrived to help out with the trespassing call and witnessed the suspect get on the bike and start to ride away. The officer immediately approached the suspect and ordered him to stop and get off Kelley’s bike. Hoffemeyer did so without any protest and was arrested.
Hoffemeyer was arrested on the charges of felony stealing and tampering. The prosecutor filed the tampering charge because he attempted to steal property from a police officer, Haden said.
Bond was set according to the tampering charge and Hoffemeyer was subsequently released after posting a $500 bail.
Greg Hoffmeyer left Shiloh Bar & Grill in downtown and saw the bike parked and unsecured outside. He then jumped onto Columbia Police Department Sgt. Chris Kelley’s Trek mountain bike. His motive or intentions were unclear.
“I have no idea where he was going,” CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said. “He was intoxicated and that’s very likely why he stole it.”
Kelley was in the area because he was responding to a trespassing call at a nearby bar.
“That is why he didn't secure (the bike)...it was more important for him to respond to the call quickly,“ Haden said.
Hoffemeyer didn’t make it far with the stolen property. A second responding officer arrived to help out with the trespassing call and witnessed the suspect get on the bike and start to ride away. The officer immediately approached the suspect and ordered him to stop and get off Kelley’s bike. Hoffemeyer did so without any protest and was arrested.
Hoffemeyer was arrested on the charges of felony stealing and tampering. The prosecutor filed the tampering charge because he attempted to steal property from a police officer, Haden said.
Bond was set according to the tampering charge and Hoffemeyer was subsequently released after posting a $500 bail.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Suspect arrested after fleeing police
A Columbia man was arrested for his 21st time in Boone County since 2002 after he allegedly fled from a sheriff’s deputy.
A man heading east on E. Highway WW in the area of Old Hawthorne Drive on Tuesday night failed to dim his headlights in the presence of an oncoming vehicle, a Boone County Sheriff’s Department news release stated. Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Seiner followed the suspect.
“The suspect failed to negotiate a curve and crossed the fog line, and the chase was on,” Detective Tom O’Sullivan said.
The man, 27-year-old Daniel Reese, failed to yield to police signals and continued down Highway WW, exceeding speeds of 90 miles per hour. Seiner requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Callaway County Sheriff’s Department when Reese fled across county lines.
Reese raced down Route F, eventually entering Fulton city limits, the release stated. At that point, the Fulton Police Department began attempts to slow the suspect, including tire deflation spikes laid by the Callaway County deputies. The spikes were unsuccessful after piercing only one of Reese’s tires.
Reese ran into a dead end just outside of Fulton city limits and attempted to back up, smashing into Seiner's vehicle, O’Sullivan said. Reese then surrendered to police.
“About six to 10 officers were involved in the chase,” O’Sullivan said.
Reese admitted to smoking crack cocaine and told investigators he fled because he knew he had drugs in his vehicle, O'Sullivan said. He was taken into custody on charges of careless and imprudent driving, driving with a revoked license, felony resisting arrest and two separate possession charges for marijuana and cocaine.
Investigators found less than 35 grams of marijuana in Reese's vehicle, leading to a misdemeanor charge. Possession of cocaine in any amount is a felony. Seiner’s car sustained damage, including heavy damage to the front of the vehicle, during the two-county chase, O’Sullivan said.
“It’s not going to be cheap (to repair),” O’Sullivan said.
Seiner did not suffer any injuries. Reese is being held in the Boone County Jail with bond set at $10,145.
A man heading east on E. Highway WW in the area of Old Hawthorne Drive on Tuesday night failed to dim his headlights in the presence of an oncoming vehicle, a Boone County Sheriff’s Department news release stated. Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Seiner followed the suspect.
“The suspect failed to negotiate a curve and crossed the fog line, and the chase was on,” Detective Tom O’Sullivan said.
The man, 27-year-old Daniel Reese, failed to yield to police signals and continued down Highway WW, exceeding speeds of 90 miles per hour. Seiner requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Callaway County Sheriff’s Department when Reese fled across county lines.
Reese raced down Route F, eventually entering Fulton city limits, the release stated. At that point, the Fulton Police Department began attempts to slow the suspect, including tire deflation spikes laid by the Callaway County deputies. The spikes were unsuccessful after piercing only one of Reese’s tires.
Reese ran into a dead end just outside of Fulton city limits and attempted to back up, smashing into Seiner's vehicle, O’Sullivan said. Reese then surrendered to police.
“About six to 10 officers were involved in the chase,” O’Sullivan said.
Reese admitted to smoking crack cocaine and told investigators he fled because he knew he had drugs in his vehicle, O'Sullivan said. He was taken into custody on charges of careless and imprudent driving, driving with a revoked license, felony resisting arrest and two separate possession charges for marijuana and cocaine.
Investigators found less than 35 grams of marijuana in Reese's vehicle, leading to a misdemeanor charge. Possession of cocaine in any amount is a felony. Seiner’s car sustained damage, including heavy damage to the front of the vehicle, during the two-county chase, O’Sullivan said.
“It’s not going to be cheap (to repair),” O’Sullivan said.
Seiner did not suffer any injuries. Reese is being held in the Boone County Jail with bond set at $10,145.
Davis Receives National Press Club award
The National Press Club awarded Charles Davis, School of Journalism associate professor, with the John Aubuchon Freedom of the Press Award on Aug. 23.
The award is given annually to two people, one domestic and one international, according to a news release. The award honors “those who have contributed to the cause of freedom and open government.”
Since 2005, Davis had led the National Freedom of Information Coalition, but chose to step down this year due to time constraints.
“The NFOIC finally got the money to hire a full time leader and I couldn’t give up my life as a faculty member at the university,” Davis said. “I am thrilled about the advancement. This is a huge step for the NFOIC and couldn’t have happened without the immense support from the people at the Knight Foundation.”
The NFOIC has funded many open-government groups around the country throughout the past 21 years and continues its mission to protect the right to open government.
As a former reporter, Davis said he knows the importance of open government for the media.
“It levels the playing field between the government and the governed,” he said.
Davis decided to accept his appointment to the NFOIC when it moved to Missouri many years ago to continue his mission to serve his profession. He said reporters were being stonewalled by the government and not given proper access to certain materials and meetings. He specifically recalled a time when he was told to leave the room during a meeting, in essence so the real meeting could begin.
“Now, I don’t believe that we should reveal CIA leaders’ names but that leaves 99.995 percent of all government action that shouldn’t be kept secret,” Davis said. “The more unnecessary government secrecy we have, the worse government gets.”
The other recipient of the award was an Iranian man, Kouhyar Goudarzi, who was imprisoned for voicing his ideas about the Iranian elections in 2009. He was recently put into solitary confinement and might never see the outside world again.
National Press Club President Alan Bjerga said the two selections for the award serve as inspirations for all journalists.
“Humbling,” Davis said, regarding how he felt about receiving the award. “I feel it’s getting old to say so but it’s the best way to put it. What’s humbling is you share an award with (Goudarzi) and you’re reminded of what’s at stake.”
Davis was surprised to be chosen alongside Goudarzi.
“I feel like we should be honoring (Goudarzi) instead of me,” Davis said. “He is paying the ultimate price. It is a poignant reminder that the battle is never over.”
The award is given annually to two people, one domestic and one international, according to a news release. The award honors “those who have contributed to the cause of freedom and open government.”
Since 2005, Davis had led the National Freedom of Information Coalition, but chose to step down this year due to time constraints.
“The NFOIC finally got the money to hire a full time leader and I couldn’t give up my life as a faculty member at the university,” Davis said. “I am thrilled about the advancement. This is a huge step for the NFOIC and couldn’t have happened without the immense support from the people at the Knight Foundation.”
The NFOIC has funded many open-government groups around the country throughout the past 21 years and continues its mission to protect the right to open government.
As a former reporter, Davis said he knows the importance of open government for the media.
“It levels the playing field between the government and the governed,” he said.
Davis decided to accept his appointment to the NFOIC when it moved to Missouri many years ago to continue his mission to serve his profession. He said reporters were being stonewalled by the government and not given proper access to certain materials and meetings. He specifically recalled a time when he was told to leave the room during a meeting, in essence so the real meeting could begin.
“Now, I don’t believe that we should reveal CIA leaders’ names but that leaves 99.995 percent of all government action that shouldn’t be kept secret,” Davis said. “The more unnecessary government secrecy we have, the worse government gets.”
The other recipient of the award was an Iranian man, Kouhyar Goudarzi, who was imprisoned for voicing his ideas about the Iranian elections in 2009. He was recently put into solitary confinement and might never see the outside world again.
National Press Club President Alan Bjerga said the two selections for the award serve as inspirations for all journalists.
“Humbling,” Davis said, regarding how he felt about receiving the award. “I feel it’s getting old to say so but it’s the best way to put it. What’s humbling is you share an award with (Goudarzi) and you’re reminded of what’s at stake.”
Davis was surprised to be chosen alongside Goudarzi.
“I feel like we should be honoring (Goudarzi) instead of me,” Davis said. “He is paying the ultimate price. It is a poignant reminder that the battle is never over.”
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thoughts on today's Superbowl
I just don't understand why anyone is saying, "The Colts are gonna wreck the Saints" or vice versa. If these people knew anything about football, they'd know that it isn't going to be a blowout. It's going to be a close game and Reggie Bush will do okay, but he wont have that great of a game becuase the Colts planned for him and he is NOT a feature back. He will have a few decent gains, a couple of touches, a few catches, and if he is lucky a punt return. Nor will the Saints defense have 3+ picks on Peyton Manning. He is the smartest player in football, and the only player to ever intercept him 3+ times was Antonio Cromartie, and it was because of pressure and rain. Thats my rant about the superbowl. My pick: Saints by 7. Peyton Manning will have a respectable game, but the Saints defense will come up bigger. The Saints rushing attack with Pierre Thomas, and not Reggie Bush will have a 100+ yard game. The fact that Reggie Wayne tweaked his knee again won't limit him much but will take the top end off his speed. The injury to Dwight Freeney will be the biggest factor. Without this I would pick Colts by 7, but he is just that big of an impact player. Drew Brees will have much more time in the pocket, and that coupled with a superior rushing attack, and a defense suited against the pass, will enable the Saints to escape with a 42-35 win.
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