The lazy, tedious "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" is easily the worst film of Kevin Smith's career, and a new low in stooping for laughs / 9
S I X C I- 19 12
Student newspaper of the University of Southern California
TUESDAY
August 28, 2001
Of interest...
USC athletic department on probation after discovering cases of academic fraud/ 24
News Digest	2	Opinions	4
Lifestyle	9	The Buzz	9
Roundup	15	Classifieds	20
Crossword	21	Sporte	24
vol. CXLIV, no 2
www dalytrojan com
Mason rooie > uairy trojan
Sign right here. Debbie Hanson, a referral manager for student health insurance, provides the waiver form to students.
Money: Health insurance fee billed to those enrolled, proof of existing plan required to prevent charge
By LORI STUENKEL
Staff Writer
Students who already have health insurance may unnecessarily pay $200 this semester if they do not waive the fee for automatic enrollment in the university's mandatory health insurance plan.
Many students are unaware of this new policy, or the September 14 deadline for proof of adequate insurance to receive the waiver.
As is the standard practice for universities requiring health insur-
ance, all students with at least six units, as well as all international and students at the Health Sciences Campus, were enrolled in the mandatory plan. The cost ot the plan is $200 for the fall semester, anti $378 for spring/summer.
"There hasn’t been sufficient notification o/yhis change.’' said Ardis L Tabb, a senior majoring in finance. "Besides, most students don't even need the insurance."
Proof of comparable insurance that is required before the cost will be waived can be brought to a kiosk between the Lyon Center and Cafe 84 that is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The kiosk is designated to stay open until Friday, Aug. 31, but may continue through next week.
A form that can be downloaded
1 see Insurance page 17
■m ,
Internet bookstores attract few students
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Incense may create more cancer cases
By LOREN CHID0NI
Projects Editor
Although many reTigk^ns use incense for healing, it may do just the opposite, according to a recent study.
The smoke, created when fruits, roots,, flowers and leaves are burned, is more cancerous than tobacco, according to scientists from Taiwan.
In the study, researchers found that a compound associated with lung cancer, benzopyrene, was 40 times higher in a Buddhist temple than in the homes of tobacco smokers. The temple in Taiwan was more polluted than local intersections, and the air in the temple exceeded Taiwan's air safety standards, said Ta-Chang Lin, who led the study. Scientists were not surprised at these results because of the poor ventilation and non-stop burning of incense in Buddhist temples, Lin told CNN.
Researchers do not know how serious the cancer risk is for burning the herbs, according to the BBC. The risk depends on the level of cancer-causing compounds and the time of exposure.
People used incense in ancient Egypt for purification, said Dr. Shikana Temille Porter, director of USC’s Disability Services and Programs. In Biblical days, people used incense in the prayer of saints, Porter added.
Along with Buddhists, Hindus and Catholics, African Americans I see Religion, page 14 l
Textbooks: Increasing prices lead students to online options, but many use campus for exclusive materials
By SCOn MART1NDALE
Staff Writer
Despite the growing market presence of online bookstore retailers, USC’s bookstore continues to attract student customers with its virtually unparalleled service, said Pertusati University Bookstore officials.
With 31 cash registers operating during peak periods, the bookstore boasts the fastest-moving lines has
one of the lowest operating margins compared to other colleges, said Mark Ewalt, associate director of the bookstore’s book division.
“We can have a higher operating margin and make a bigger profit, or we can eliminate the profit and sell more books,” said Dan Stimmler, director of the bookstore.
The bookstore’s operating margin— the amount of money it makes in profits— hovers around 25 to 27
percent, in contrast to the industry standard of 30 percent. The money covers such costs as stocking, shipping. and administrative tasks. No profit is made on course materials. Stimmler said.
Revenues for the 2000-2001 fiscal year totaled approximately $12 million. up from $11.4 million the previous year—due, in part, to the ever-increasing prices set by publishers.
“Publishers raise the price of new books about four times per year," Ewalt said. “If anything, our (operating) margin is going down."
The soaring costs of textbooks
have led some students to pursue alternative vendors.
J.D. Roux, a sophomore majoring in business, said he purchases most of his textbooks through online booksellers.
"My first semester at USC. I saved over $100 by purchasing my books online," Roux said. “...Last semester. 1 bought a textbook online lor $60, with no tax or shipping costs, that cost over $75 used at the USC bookstore and over $100 new."
By comparison-shopping at a number of online booksellers'' web I see Books page 15 I
Lyon Center adds space, plans for more equipment
The I.yon Center was designed and built... ft>ith an emphasis on recreation over fit ness."
JENNIFER SIU director recreational services
Construction: Officials hope to move to change focus from recreation to fitness
By ADAM HASKELL
Contributing Writer
When the Lyon Center RecreatiogaL Facility was built in 1989, the focus was on fun. More than a decade later, the center is trying to bulk up.
While no equipment has been added yet. during the summer several walls were knocked down to provide more space for the weight room and create a cycling room. While students' fitness needs have changed in the last several years, the Lyon Center did not
“The Lyon Center was designed and built in the early '80s with an emphasis on recreation over fitness”,
said Jennifer Siu. director of recreational services. “It has been our goal to remodel the gym to meet the fitness goals of current students."
Using funding from the Facilities Management department and Student Affairs, the center was redesigned with new floors and mirrors. Additional free weights and about 20 cardio machines will be added later this semester, Siu said.
“It is our goal to make the Lyon Center into something more like a 24 Hour Fitness...like the gyms they are used to using at home.” Siu said.
As part of the $495,000 project, nearly 600 square feet was added to the weight and cardio rooms in an attempt to ease the overcrowding complaints. A new "gold room." dedicated to yoga and the popular 'SCycling program was also added. A state-of-the-art sound system has I see Center, page 2 I
Masqr^oole I D*ly Trotar
Strong arms. Construction workers continue to work on the ceiling in the Lyon Center while students lift weights.
Students must sign waivers